Toyota chief crashes to a podium finish
Concluding the second of three race weekends of the 2025 TOYOTA GAZOO Racing Philippine Cup (TGR Philippine Cup), the premier motorsports event delivered on its promise. More than 12,000 attendees experienced the thrill of various racing and driving activities on the streets from May 23 to 25 just south of Manila in Villar City.
Racers in four classes — Novice, Sporting, Super Sporting, and Legacy — went wheel-to-wheel in three circuit races over the weekend in the 2.4km long street circuit. The makeshift circuit had 14 turns, including two hairpins and six chicanes, providing exciting track action for spectators.
TMP President Masando Hashimoto, who races for the TOYOTA GAZOO Racing Philippines Novice Team, shook the crowd in the last laps of the Novice Class circuit race when he hit the barriers and overturned. He was able to evacuate his Vios one-make-race (OMR) car promptly and came out of the incident without any injuries.
“My car flipped upside down and became immobilized. While the tires and engine sustained significant damage from the impact, the cabin remained intact and completely clear, allowing me to escape without even a scratch. I lost my beloved Vios #4, but it saved my life. We racers experience crashes all the time, many times, which is part of racing, but I have seen first-hand the wonderful fact that Toyota cars are safe, robust and keep the drivers protected,” Hashimoto said.
TMP has been utilizing the Vios OMR especially converted for the TGR Philippine Cup (previously Vios Cup) for 11 years now, where it has been subjected to various racing conditions both in permanent and street circuits. It has been modified to fit racing standards, which includes the installation of a roll cage and racing seat with 5-point seat belts to ensure the safety of the racer. Racers are also equipped with fireproof racing suits, gloves and helmets with Head and Neck Support (HANS) devices.
TGR, TMP’s motorsports arm, has been committed to ‘pushing the limits for better’ through vehicle development in controlled environments.
By repeatedly driving and breaking cars in the race environment, one discovers further areas for improvement and strengthens the cars as a master driver. “Based on this corporate mantra, Toyota will continue to pursue safer vehicle manufacturing and accessible racing in the future,” the TMP chief said.
The Tamaraw Racing Concept, a modified Tamaraw Dropside, also made its debut during the race weekend as the showcase vehicle during the Drag Race Exhibition. The concept vehicle underlines Toyota’s dedication to creating exciting cars through continuous testing on the track.
Enthusiasts can look forward to Race Weekend 3 of the 2025 TGR Philippine Cup in August at the Clark International Speedway.
