TOYOTA Motor Philippines (TMP) recently concluded the 2024 season of its annual motorsports series, the TOYOTA GAZOO Racing Philippine Cup (TGR Philippine Cup).
The season saw remarkable performances from Iñigo Anton of Toyota Balintawak – Obengers Racing Team, Alain Alzona of Toyota General Santos – Chooks-To-Go Racing Team, Bong Garbes of Inbox – Toyota San Fernando, and Russel Reyes of TOYOTA GAZOO Racing PH, who secured victories in their respective classes.
The final race weekend, which took place on November 9, was followed by the awarding ceremony for the overall winners.
During the opening program, Hashimoto shared how he had cut short a business trip to participate in Race Weekend 3 of the TGR Philippine Cup, stating, “I wanted to meet the racers, mechanics, coaches and motorsports fans – this is my motivation for coming back. Today is the last race weekend of the TGR Philippine Cup, which will decide the season winners, so I wanted to say congratulations to them,” TMP President Masando Hashimoto arriving in his Vios one-make-race (OMR) car, greeted by drumbeaters and an enthusiastic crowd.
The Sprint Race for the Novice and Promotional classes commenced with Lexi Mendiola and Johndale Dy in pole positions. After an intense race with multiple on-track contacts, Pablo Salapantan emerged victorious in the Novice Class, followed by John Rey San Diego and Russel Reyes. In the Promotional Class, Bong Garbes clinched first place, with Ryan Agoncillo and Johndale Dy completing the podium.
The Sporting and Super Sporting classes followed, with Danzel Waytan and Royce Sarmiento starting in pole positions for their respective classes. Waytan secured a win in the Sporting Class, ahead of Jay Lao and Alain Alzona. In the Super Sporting Class, Russel Cabrera led the race, with Mikey Keilani Jordan and Iñigo Anton finishing second and third.
Professional drifters Dane Cruz and Hans Jimenez entertained the audience with a drifting exhibition and shotgun rides while waiting for the Endurance Race. The event also featured members of GR Supra, GR Yaris, and GR 86 car clubs, who provided hot lap rides around the speedway.