Race drivers and enthusiasts got more than an adrenaline rush when Toyota Motor Philippines kicked off the Philippine Cup season at Clark International Racing Circuit.
Former Toyota Vios Cup racers locked horns in the Legacy Class sprint races. Notable participants in this race category are Senator JV Ejercito, who won his first Vios Cup race in 2017, and Paolo Ang, who was the 2021 and 2023 Sporting Class runner-up.
The weekend also had GR car club members competing in sprint races for the first time in the racing series’ history through the aptly named Club Race.
GR performance and Lexus car owners also took to track their vehicles for the Track Day. Fans of Toyota’s GR lineup and Lexus’ F SPORT series also got to see the cars up close at the display area.
In the activity area, eventgoers enjoyed freebies and prizes from the sponsors’ booths and tried their hand at remote control and sim racing. Diecast collectibles were also for sale.
The highlight of the opening season’s race weekend remained the circuit races, with Sprint Race 2 applying a reverse grid rule for extra excitement. The starting grid was based on the results of Sprint Race 1.
The Legacy, Sporting, and Super Sporting classes reversed the full grid, putting Oliver Estrella in pole position for the Legacy Class, Mike Santos for the Sporting Class, and Iñigo Anton for the Super Sporting Class.
Car damage relegated Oliver Estrella to the back of the grid, allowing Paolo Ang to lead the Legacy Class. In the Sporting Class, Novice Class graduate Russel Reyes made his way to the front of the pack to take his second sprint win of the season.
Maila Alivia solidified her position as a championship contender in the Super Sporting Class by winning both sprint races of the weekend and placing in the top five in the endurance race.
Meanwhile, in the Novice Class, TMP President Masando Hashimoto secured third place after taking advantage of Pablo Salapantan’s runoff, earning him his second podium finish of the weekend.
Intense wheel-to-wheel action also took place in the Super Sporting Class endurance race as Mikey Jordan and Alain Gabriel Alzona faced off for third place. Jordan’s strong defense proved to be a challenge for Alzona, but Alzona would pull through after persistent overtake attempts.
“At TGR Philippines, we stay committed to our goal of growing an inclusive and exciting motorsports hub where we can all come together and celebrate our love for cars and motorsports. This year, we are celebrating 11 years of the TGR Philippine Cup, and it is our pride and honor to continue bringing you the thrill and joy that only TGR can bring,” says Hashimoto.
Motorsports fans can look forward to the second Race Weekend happening in May when race drivers resume their run for fame and glory. (RT)
