2023 TGR Vios Cup Season pits diverse lineup of racers and cars

For about a decade of its staging, the Toyota Vios Cup has never ceased to generate the fun and excitement of local motorsports. Every year, Toyota Motor Philippines has always come up with new ways to, not only further develop grassroots racing, but also live up to the “Waku Doki” spirit it has advocated ever since Day One.
For the 2023 season, the Japanese carmaker measured up to its standards–or perhaps even upped the ante more. TMP, this time around, pitted another set of newcomers alongside the Vios Cup veterans in both the Autocross Challenge and the Circuit Championships. These newbies for each category come from different backgrounds, spanning from media account managers, actors, beauty queens, sportscasters, journalists and social media influencers.
“For this year, we have new racers for both the Autocross Challenge and the Circuit Championship. To make it more exciting, they come from different backgrounds and racing skills. We have mixed them all, the young ones together with the veterans,” TMP vice president for marketing services, Elvin Luciano said.
“One of the key objectives for the TGR Vios Cup is that it can be enjoyed by everyone,” he added.

Moving up from Autocross to Circuit
One newcomer in the Circuit Championship is award-winning actor, Enzo Pineda. Although the 33-year old Kapuso Star is new on the 4.18-km Clark International Speedway in Pampanga, he’s no stranger to the Vios Cup scene as he was a former TGR Autocross Challenge champion.
“The challenge is different this time. The competition is different. The speed and racing technique are at a whole new level,” Pineda shared.
“But, as always, it has been fun and exciting. It has always been my dream to go head-to-head. And now, I’m here. I’m thankful for the opportunity.”
In Leg 1 of this season, Pineda said that he almost made it to the podium. In leg 2, however, it has been tough, especially with the wet track due to the heavy rains particularly in race 1.
“It’s my first time to race in the wet. But I’ve been learning.”

Many elements of the autocross come as a surprise
Speaking of learning, Philkotse content writer and first-time autocross driver, Cesar Guiderone B. Miguel said that the Vios Cup has been, so far, both a fun and educational experience for him.
“I consider myself quite used to driving on the road, but many elements of autocross come as a surprise,” he shared.
Miguel, furthermore, also divulged that he has long been a motorsports enthusiast and that is elated to have joined this year’s Autocross Challenge.
“I love how this motorsports event showcases the humble Toyota Vios. It’s a car you see on the road every day, and yet here it is a competent all-rounder that can do well in both autocross and circuit racing.”
Experiencing the Toyota Vios at whole new high
Meanwhile, Autocross Challenge newbie and social media influencer, Mark Averilla a.k.a. “Macoy Dubs” also professed that he has always been a motorsports advocate. “I’ve always been a fan of Formula One ever since Grade 4,” he said.
“For the Vios Cup, I started last July 1 of this year for the first leg and it has been so much fun. It’s a new experience. It’s very challenging. The adrenaline rush is at an all-time high.”
Here, he also shared that he has come to know more about himself.
“One has to be physically and, at the same time, mentally prepared.”

Learning more about herself
Another newbie racer learning about herself is Kapuso actress and beauty queen, Megan Young.
“This experience has truly made me go out of my shell. It takes you off your comfort zone and it has been, so far, a great learning experience,” she said.
The 5’7”-stunner even said that she even learned to love cars even more, especially the Toyota Vios.
“There’s a lesson to be learned about speed, cars, and the skills of the driver here. It’s just wonderful to see the whole beauty of man and machine, and the whole kind of grit that comes with racing.”

Woman in a male-dominated world
On the other hand, sportscaster, Apple David is no stranger when it comes to being a woman in a male-dominated environment.
“I’ve been used to being in that world as a court-side reporter for the PBA,” she said.
“You just have to be tough and not be intimidated. That should be the whole mindset.”
David also said that her own experience now as a racer compared to just hosting it behind the bleachers has completely changed her notion of the sport.
“At first, I thought it was just easy, thinking that you just have to turn this way or that way. But now, having been immersed into it, you begin to realize that it’s really difficult.”
Despite this, the first-time autocross racer had a stellar performance in Leg 1 having placed third in the Influencer Promotional Class category.
“It’s a man’s world. But, that time, we were all just lucky that it was an all-female podium finish. It shows here that we can do it.”

Love for speed knows no gender
Zigwheels Ph and Carmudi Ph key accounts manager, Lyka Tan, further proved this point.
“Competing as a woman in a realm traditionally dominated by male drivers, my journey in the Toyota Vios Cup 2023 has been extraordinary,” she shared.
“It’s an exhilarating experience that transcends mere competition, as the camaraderie and support from my male racers have infused each race day with a profound sense of unity. Instead of an adversarial atmosphere, it feels like a collective pursuit of excellence, where gender fades into the background.”
She continued, “In this vibrant racing community, I’ve discovered that my true competition lies within, as I strive to continually push my limits and hone my skills, all while keeping my unwavering focus on the race ahead. It’s a testament to the power of passion and dedication.”
The Leg 2 Media Promotional Class champion even said she’s truly in awe of the incredible spirit and determination that each of them brings to the track.
“It’s not just about racing, it’s about daring to challenge the status quo and embracing the thrill of trying something new.”
Tan even added: “In the world of racing, as in life, your journey may be challenging, but always remember, you have the strength, determination, and passion to conquer any track that lies before you.”
“You are not just breaking barriers, you are shattering them. Every time you step into that cockpit, you’re proving that a love for speed knows no gender.”


More women racers the past years
For Luciano, more female drivers have been added to the roster of TGR racers in the past years.
“More and more women have been into the races recently. This adds to the whole excitement,” he said.
“Also, we have become more inclusive.”
Sidelights, concept and electrified cars in racing
“Aside from the new racers, what makes the Vios Cup more exciting are the concept and electrified vehicles,” Luciano added.
“This is just a preview of what lies in the horizon for our electrified cars in terms of racing.”
During the Toyota Gazoo Racing event leg 2 over the weekend, TMP was also able to showcase the Toyota Corolla Altis HEV race car, the New Generation Tamaraw Concept vehicle as safety car and the new Toyota Hilux GR-S.


