Except for the aroma of burning rubber, everyone’s posts and photos brought me to Toyota’s GR Festival
Photos by Rhoy Cobilla
Photographer, Malaya Business Insight
I SEE smoke coming from the barbeque stands behind my hotel here in Bali, Indonesia. The aroma of beef roasting over coals and marinated chicken spinning in a rotisserie doesn’t seem to trigger the happy chemicals in my brain as the smell and smoke of burning rubber would.
As I find myself amidst the captivating landscapes of the shores of Bali, a whirlwind of emotions engulfs me. Here I am, thousands of miles away from the heart-pounding Toyota GR Festival at the Quirino grandstand.
Being away, I just watch the videos of Ardie Lopez and Roy Robles, or view the selfies of Ron de los Reyes and Neil Pagulayan and all other my motoring colleagues.
Luckily, my colleague, Rhoy Cobilla, Malaya Business Insight’s award-winning photographer was there to capture the many moments of that particular moment. Here I present his work.
I won’t lie, the allure of the Toyota GR Festival was undeniable.
The prospect of witnessing and experiencing the charismatic presence of Akio Toyoda, the former president and CEO Toyota Motor Corporation, who stepped down as president in 2023 and became the chairman. Toyoda is also known as Morizo, a pseudonym he uses when donned with his racing suit and helmet.
As Morizo he is the master driver of Toyota, who is personally involved in developing and testing the company’s sports cars.
Morizo’s race driving mentor was Hiromu Naruse, who was Toyota’s most skilled chief test driver and a legendary figure in the world of motor sports. The Toyota test driver taught Morizo how to drive at the Ní¼rburgring, the world’s toughest circuit, and how to make better cars through racing.
Naruse passed away in 2010 in a car accident near the Ní¼rburgring.
His mentor’s death had a profound impact on Morizo, who considered him not only a track professor but also and friend, from whom he inherited his passion for the Nurburgring and his vision for Toyota Gazoo Racing, which he continued to lead and participate in.
Morizo once said that he races to honor Naruse’s memory and to keep his spirit alive.
But as life often unfolds, it steered me towards Bali, a place of serenity and awe-inspiring natural beauty, while the Toyota GR Festival roared on without me. As I navigate through the bustling IT event in Bali, I can’t help but draw parallels between the world of technology and the automotive spectacle I had missed.
Amidst the buzz of presentations and discussions, I find myself immersed in a different kind of energy. The IT event is a melting pot of ideas, a convergence of minds pushing the boundaries of what’s possible. Just as the Toyota GR Festival is a testament to human innovation in the automotive realm, this event highlights the rapid advancements in information technology that shape our world.
The images I glimpse on social media of the Toyota GR Festival evoke a sense of longing, the echoing cheers, the screeching tires, the palpable excitement hanging in the air — all forming a vivid tapestry of exhilaration. I imagine Akio Toyoda’s spirited presence, his vision driving the event forward, and Morizo’s skillful maneuvers on the track, leaving the crowd in awe.
As I capture the essence of the IT event in Bali, interviewing tech visionaries and witnessing groundbreaking demonstrations, I realize that unexpected detours often lead us to unforeseen gems. Bali’s serene landscapes and the buzzing tech hub it hosts stand in stark contrast to the world of fast cars and adrenaline-fueled races. Yet, both realms share a common thread — the unwavering spirit of innovation and the passion that drives it.
Watching the sun sink below the horizon in Bali, painting the sky with hues of gold and lavender, I understand that life’s greatest treasures are often found where we least expect them. The Toyota GR Festival will undoubtedly be remembered as a showcase of speed and skill, a testament to Toyota’s dedication to excellence.
Meanwhile, my time in Bali has gifted me a lesson in embracing the present, in finding the pulse of innovation in unexpected places.
So, as the waves gently caress the shore and the tech discussions buzz around me, I raise a silent toast to Akio Toyoda a.k.a Morizo, and all those fortunate enough to be part of the exhilarating festivities in Manila.
