Clark International Speedway, Pampanga – June 13, 2024 – The roar of engines and the excitement of motorsport returned to the Philippines as Toyota Motor Philippines (TMP) kicked off the 10th season of its premier motorsports program, the TOYOTA GAZOO Racing Philippine Cup (TGR Philippine Cup).
The opening race weekend, held on June 13 at the Clark International Speedway, saw over 30 racers battle it out for supremacy in thrilling sprint and endurance races, captivating thousands of spectators.
Seasoned Racers and Newcomers Take Center Stage
A highlight of the event was the debut of the Novice Class, featuring winners and top performers from the previous Autocross Challenge. This new category welcomed a diverse group of racers, including TMP President Masando Hashimoto, social media influencers Lexi Mendiola and Reph Bangsil, media personalities Jamil Lacuna, Jose Altoveros, Pablo Salapantan, John Ray San Diego, and sim racer Russel Reyes.
Seasoned campaigners in the Promotional, Sporting, and Super Sporting classes also returned to the track, joined by new competitors for the 2024 season. The diverse field ensured intense competition throughout the weekend.
Unpredictable Weather Tests Racers and Machines
Racers faced a dynamic challenge as sunny morning skies gave way to afternoon rain showers. These contrasting weather conditions tested the skills of the drivers and pushed the limits of their vehicles, offering race fans an unforgettable display of high-octane, wheel-to-wheel battles.
Action-Packed Race Weekend Beyond the Main Event
The excitement wasn’t limited to the main circuit races. Car club members showcased their passion for motorsports with a dedicated Car Club Track Day, showcasing their GR performance vehicles. Renowned drifters Hanz Jimenez and Dane Cruz then thrilled spectators with a captivating driving exhibition.
A select group of lucky attendees were even given the chance to experience the adrenaline rush of drifting as passengers on the track. Interactive experiences were also available at the sponsors’ booths and the TGR GT Cup experience area.
Capping Off a Successful Weekend
The electrifying race weekend culminated in a vibrant closing ceremony featuring a performance by the popular Filipino band Autotelic, exciting raffles for the audience, and a well-deserved awarding ceremony for the race winners.
RACE 1: SPRINT RACE 1
| NOVICE CLASS | ||
| Rank | Name | Team |
| 1 | Jamil Lacuna | TOYOTA GAZOO Racing PH |
| 2 | Russel Reyes | TOYOTA GAZOO Racing PH |
| 3 | Jose Altoveros | TOYOTA GAZOO Racing PH |
| PROMOTIONAL CLASS | ||
| Rank | Name | Team |
| 1 | Bong Garbes | Inbox – Toyota San Fernando |
| 2 | Rex Abrenilla | Toyota Team Cebu |
| 3 | Johndale Dy | Toyota Team Cebu |
| SPORTING CLASS | ||
| Rank | Name | Team |
| 1 | Jiro Garbes | Inbox – Toyota San Fernando |
| 2 | Jarond Mesina | Toyota Team Cebu |
| 3 | Danzel Waytan | JD Motorsport – Ribbon Arc |
| SUPER SPORTING CLASS | ||
| Rank | Name | Team |
| 1 | Red Diwa | JBT Racing / Toyota Isabela |
| 2 | Iñigo Anton | Toyota Balintawak – Obengers Racing Team |
| 3 | Russel Cabrera | Toyota Team Cebu |
RACE 2: SPRINT RACE 2
| NOVICE CLASS | ||
| Rank | Name | Team |
| 1 | Russel Reyes | TOYOTA GAZOO Racing PH |
| 2 | Jamil Lacuna | TOYOTA GAZOO Racing PH |
| 3 | John Rey San Diego | TOYOTA GAZOO Racing PH |
| PROMOTIONAL CLASS | ||
| Rank | Name | Team |
| 1 | Julia Delos Angeles | Toyota Marilao/San Jose Del Monte – Obengers Racing Team |
| 2 | Bong Garbes | Inbox – Toyota San Fernando |
| 3 | Rex Abrenilla | Toyota Team Cebu |
| SPORTING CLASS | ||
| Rank | Name | Team |
| 1 | Jay Lao | Happy Hotels Racing Team |
| 2 | Danzel Waytan | JD Motorsport – Ribbon Arc |
| 3 | Carlo Suarez | Toyota Team Cebu |
| SUPER SPORTING CLASS | ||
| Rank | Name | Team |
| 1 | Russel Cabrera | Toyota Team Cebu |
| 2 | Mikey Keilani Jordan | Jordan Racing |
| 3 | Iñigo Anton | Toyota Balintawak – Obengers Racing Team |
RACE 3: ENDURANCE RACE 1
| NOVICE CLASS | ||
| Rank | Name | Team |
| 1 | Russel Reyes | TOYOTA GAZOO Racing PH |
| 2 | Jamil Lacuna | TOYOTA GAZOO Racing PH |
| 3 | Lexi Mendiola | TOYOTA GAZOO Racing PH |
| PROMOTIONAL CLASS | ||
| Rank | Name | Team |
| 1 | Julia Delos Angeles | Toyota Marilao/San Jose Del Monte – Obengers Racing Team |
| 2 | Bong Garbes | Inbox – Toyota San Fernando |
| 3 | Rex Abrenilla | Toyota Team Cebu |
| SPORTING CLASS | ||
| Rank | Name | Team |
| 1 | Danzel Waytan | JD Motorsport – Ribbon Arc |
| 2 | Jarond Mesina | Toyota Team Cebu |
| 3 | Carlo Suarez | Toyota Team Cebu |
| SUPER SPORTING CLASS | ||
| Rank | Name | Team |
| 1 | Iñigo Anton | Toyota Balintawak – Obengers Racing Team |
| 2 | Russel Cabrera | Toyota Team Cebu |
| 3 | Ian Rosales | Toyota Team Cebu |
Looking Ahead to More Racing Spectacle
The TOYOTA GAZOO Racing Philippine Cup, fueled by Petron, with official tire partner GT Radial, and timed by Seiko, promises more exhilarating action in the upcoming race weekends. The second round is scheduled for September 28, 2024.
For more information on the TGR Philippine Cup, visit the official website at https://toyota.com.ph/tgrphilippines. Stay updated on the latest developments by following TOYOTA GAZOO Racing on Facebook and Instagram, as well as TMP’s official pages on Facebook and Instagram (@ToyotaMotorPH), and join the Viber community at Toyota PH.
Further reading:
Global Team Toyota Athletes from Asia Set to Reach for Greater Heights at Paris 2024
Toyota Motor Philippines confirms a new dealership in Mindanao with the groundbreaking of Toyota Tugbok, Davao
Aspiring racers live motorsports dreams at TOYOTA GAZOO Racing Academy Philippines
Toyota Motor Philippines celebrates 10th season of racing series with TGR Philippine Cup
Toyota Gazoo Racing Vios Cup Racers Share Their Experiences and Insights
2023 Toyota Gazoo Racing Vios Cup Leg 2 at the Clark International Speedway
