Top Toyota chairman inspires, not just Vios Cup aficionados, but for “Better Cars”
Fresh from the swashbuckling feat behind the wheel of the reverend head honcho of the world’s biggest carmaker on the pavements of the Quirino Grandstand in Manila a few weeks back, Toyota Motor Philippines was, in no time, back– yet again–roaring its engines.
This time, the Japanese carmaker was burning rubber on the 4.2-kilometer race track of the Clark International Speedway in Pampanga for the second leg of the Toyota Gazoo Racing Vios Cup.
“Two weeks ago, we just held the Toyota Gazoo Racing Festival together with our Toyota Motor Corporation chairman, Akiyo Toyoda, a.k.a. “Morizo.” Now, we’re back holding another motorsports event,” TMP vice president for marketing services, Elvin Luciano said during the two-day affair.
“For us, the adrenaline-pumping excitement just never stops.”
Indeed, it was a high-octane affair as another thrilling motorsports spectacle unfolded. Racing fans all over the country bore witness to the exciting showdown either from the venue’s bleachers or live online. Here, they got to cheer for their favorite racers in the second iteration of the Circuit Championship and the Autocross Challenge.
Exhilarating Circuit Championship action
For the action head-to-head at the track, racers from the Promotional, Sporting and Super Sporting Classes, jousted for positions to claim top podium finishes. In the Promotional Class, Toyota Team Cebu’s Jarond Mesina bested other racers. He was followed by Alain Alzona of Toyota General Santos-Chooks-toGo Racing Team in second and Bong Garbes of Inbox –Toyota San Fernando in third.
Meanwhile, for the Sporting Class, Jiro Garbes of Inbox–Toyota San Fernando outclassed all others, capturing the top crown. Russel Cabrera of Toyota Team Cebu and Maila Alivia of JBT Racing Team/ Toyota Isabela came in second and third places, respectively.
In the event’s top-tier, Super Sporting Class, Joaquin Garrido of Obenger Racing Team dominated, while R Racing Team’s Bryan Co and JBT Racing Team/ Toyota Isabela’s Red Diwa, respectively, reached podium finishes.
Thrilling Autocross Challenge showdown
From the heart-pumping action on the race track, another action-packed drama set the stage, this time, for the Autocross Challenge. Here, tight turns in the slalom section, quick yet precise braking and maneuvering, and balanced handling of the car determined every second on the clock to capture each and every spot on the podium.
Fans were able to egg on their favorites, such as beauty queens, Megan Young and Carla Lizardo, Internet sensations Benedict Cua, Bianca Yao and Lexi Mendiola.
Here, it was a showdown of not just speed and precision, but of female grit and prowess as an all-female podium set the pace, particularly, for the Media Promotional Class. Carmudi’s Lyka Tan proved that her love for the sport “knows no gender” as she stole the show, claiming top spot. She was followed by Leg 1 champion, Zigwheel’s Patrice Tenorio, while Mica de los Reyes of Philippine Star snatched third.
On the other hand, for the Media Sporting Class, C! Magazine’s Wowie Go captured first, while Yours Truly followed closely in second. Here, it was a nail-biting finish down-the-wire as this writer was leading the semifinals, finals all the way to second to the last run. It only took a dramatic turn on the last stretch with the former crossing the timing sensors first by just a hairline. Autocar’s John Rey San Diego, meantime, settled for the last spot on the podium.
For the celebrity division, newcomer Ezra Domingo relished his first time on the podium after grabbing the top spot in the Social Media Influencer Promotional Class. Bianca Yao and Genesis Redido then took second and third places. In the Sporting Class, Reph Bangsil reclaimed his the first top finish after being absent for years in the Vios Cup. Migy Romulo followed in second and Lexi Mendiola in third.
For the exhibition race using the Toyota Corolla Altis GR-S HEV, veteran racer, Milo Rivera took home the crown. While Jose Altoveros and TGR Philippine Ambassador, Marlon Stockinger were runners-up.
In the end, it was a successful two-day staging of the TGR Vios Cup in Pampanga. The bigger picture here is that the motorsports event is one example of how a company like Toyota performs exceptionally well in all its endeavors. No wonder why the Japanese carmaker is on the top of the world right now. Clearly, this is leadership at its pinnacle. All thanks to its beloved chairman, Master Driver, “Morizo.” Not only does he know and sell his cars. He races in them.
