ENTHUSIASTS of racing and thrill-seekers were left in awe by the exhilarating two-day Toyota Gazoo Racing Festival (TGR Festival) that unfolded at Manila’s Quirino Grandstand.
Branded as Toyota Motor Philippines’ (TMP) grandest gathering to celebrate the world of Gazoo Racing, this motorsports spectacle formed part of the company’s 35th-anniversary festivities, honoring their loyal customers and fans who have steadfastly supported the brand over the years. With over 6,000 attendees on-site and a staggering 2.6 million viewers tuning in via livestream, the TGR Festival left an indelible mark.
Akio Toyoda, the Chairman of Toyota Motor Corporation and renowned as Morizo in racing circles, graced the #TGR Festival with his exceptional driving and drifting prowess. Behind the wheel of various Toyota race cars, he showcased his masterful skills.
To commence the festivities, Morizo amazed the crowd with his finesse in handling the Toyota GR Yaris WRC rally car, executing captivating donut maneuvers that thrilled onlookers. He also took part in the Gymkhana challenge, navigating a Toyota GR 86 with remarkable dexterity, showcasing his expertise with a GR performance car accessible to local customers. Conquering a demanding course, he displayed the grace of a seasoned racer.
Morizo further delighted fortunate passengers with high-octane rides, providing a taste of the racing master’s perspective on the track.
“I created a car because I wanted to witness people’s smiles. You ask people and give them what they desire,” Morizo expressed, underscoring his belief in refining Toyota cars through real-world driving and drifting experiences. “It’s the smiles and cheers that keep me motivated,” he added.
Japanese champion racers from the Toyota Gazoo Racing team, Norihiko Katsuta and Masahiro Sasaki, were another highlight of the event. Both showcased their legendary race cars — the Toyota WRC Yaris and the Red Bull GR Corolla — vehicles that have triumphed on global racing circuits.
The transformation of the GR Yaris by Morizo from a Toyota WRC Yaris was a remarkable achievement. The Red Bull GR Corolla holds its own place in history as the car that propelled Calle Rovampella to victory in the Formula Drift Japan competition.
Naturally, the local Filipino racing stars had a significant role in the event. Alex Perez, Luis Gono, Marlon Stockinger, and celebrity-racer Ryan Agoncillo joined in the festivities, maneuvering TGR performance cars like the GR Supra, GR Yaris, and GR 86. A blend of Japanese and Filipino drivers also collaborated in the Gymkhana Driving Challenge, with Marlon Stockinger emerging as the Day 1 champion.
The event reached its climax with the Gymkhana Time Attack and Drifting Competition, where local racers showcased their skills. The Gymkhana Time Attack assessed participants’ agility and precision as they navigated intricate courses of cones and figure eights. In the Drifting Competition, racers unleashed their horsepower and slides, leaving the audience on the edge of their seats. Winners emerged from both competitions, leaving a lasting impact on the crowd. Toyoda and TMP Chairman Alfred Ty presented a donation to the Office of the President when President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. visited the Toyota Motor Philippines plant in Sta. Rosa, Laguna. The donation included a variety of Toyota vehicles, symbolizing 35 years of collaboration between Toyota and the Philippine government.
“It is a very important day not only because we have to recognize the contributions that Toyota Motor Corporation has brought to the Philippines, we have to recognize the help that it has given, that this plant such as this, has given us and our people,” President BBM expressed as he also hailed the Toyota auto worker as highly skilled, disciplined and trained. The President acknowledged the skill and work ethic instilled in Filipino employees at the plant by Toyota, underscoring how fortunate the Philippines is to have Toyota as a collaborative partner.
The President described Toyota as an “essential partner in various aspects,” especially in the country’s progress and growth. He further emphasized that the enduring partnership with Toyota would be mutually beneficial, not only for the Philippines but also for Toyota and its associates in Japan.
Toyoda started his day with a meal at Jollibee, Vince Socco, Chairman of GT Capital Auto and Mobility Holdings shared in one of his Facebook posts.
