New and seasoned racers dominate season kicker of 2021 TGR Vios Cup

After a year's hiatus, the Toyota Gazoo Racing (TGR) Vios Cup returned last July 9 and 10 to the Clark International Speedway in Pampanga.

Kicking off the first season was an appearance of the GR Yaris driven by TMP President Atsuhiro Okamoto, while 24 autocross racers and 24 circuit racers competed across three race classes.

Toyota Motor Philippines (TMP) said that new and familiar names battled for victory in its premier motorsports program. 

There are no public spectators for the TGR Vios Cup in keeping with safety protocols for the participants. TMP livestreamed the racing events to allow spectators to cheer and support their favorite racers safely from their homes.

A total of 24 drivers in Promotional, Sporting, and Super Sporting Class competed in the Circuit Championship.

Maila Alivia and Jiro Garbes ended this race weekend with two out of three races at the podium for the Promotional Class. 

Celebrity racers turned Promotional Class contenders, Troy Montero and Fabio Ide, had one podium finish each as well.

Familiar names dominated the Sporting Class, with Inigo Anton and Julian Tang as consistent top three finishers. Joaquin Garrido was displaced by Jacob Ang in the top three by the third race of the weekend.

For the Super Sporting Class, Gerard Loy is the consistent podium placer. Meanwhile, Estefano Rivera and Red Diwa finished at the top three in the first two races. Bryan Co and Marc Soong took their places by the third race.

Meanwhile, actor Alex Diaz dominated the tracks in the Autocross Challenge Celebrities and Influencers Class, followed by TV star John Manalo and social media personality Jules Aquino.

Jose Altoveros (Autoindustriya) was hailed the champion in the Media category, with Ian Magbanua (Top Gear Philippines) and Inigo Roces (Manila Bulletin) in second and third, respectively.

“Returning with the ever-reliable Vios... This Filipino-made car is really fun to drive on the daily and at the tracks. With hope for better days ahead and maximum safety protocols, we move forward and race on!" TMP president Atsuhiro Okamoto remarked during the opening ceremonies.

The TGR Vios Cup can be re-watched at TMP's Facebook and Youtube channels: Toyota Motor Philippines and Toyota Gazoo Racing PH.

The next legs of the race will happen on September 11 and November 6. 

Photos from Toyota Motor Philippines, Dylan Afuang

Also read:

Real race, online viewing: The Toyota GR Vios Cup begins this weekend

CVT-equipped Toyota Vios used in TGR Autocross Challenge