All roads led to Clark International Speedway last March 21 as Toyota Motor Philippines and Toyota Gazoo Racing Philippines officially kicked off the 2025 Toyota Gazoo Racing Philippine Cup.
The first leg was quite eventful, with the weekend starting off with a preview of the new automatic GR Yaris. TMP had professional drivers show out with the new automatic hatchback alongside the GR86. Around the track, there were also displays of Toyota’s GR lineup and Lexus’ F Sport stable.
Event-goers also got to join in fun events and activities and check out various branded merch and car-related products on sale. There were sim-racing rigs and remote-control car racing booths set up as well.
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Of course, the highlight of the weekend was the race proper. There are four main classes this season, namely: Novice, Legacy, Sporting, and Super Sporting. Two sprint races and one endurance race were held during the first leg, along with a special Club Race for GR Car Club members.
Most notably in the Novice Class, Luis Moreno secured a win in Sprint Race 1 with TMP president Masando Hashimoto coming in at second and Pablo Salapantan at third. Sprint Race 2 had a slightly different turnout with John Rey San Diego securing the victory and Moreno and Hashimoto coming in at second and third, respectively. In the endurance race, Moreno and Hashimoto once again finished in first and second, respectively, with San Diego completing the podium in third.
In the Sporting Class, Russel Reyes of Team TGR Philippines took home both of the Sprint Race victories, while Jesse Garcia of Obengers Racing-Toyota Balintawak bagged the win in the Endurance Race.
In the Legacy Class, Paolo Ang of R Racing-MADKart won both Sprint Races. In the Super Sporting Class, Maila Alivia of Toyota Isabela got both Sprint Race wins as well, while Iñigo Anton of Obengers Racing-Toyota Balintawak nabbed the victory in the Endurance Race.
“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,” said Hashimoto. “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!”
Race Weekend 2 of the TGR Philippine Cup is happening in May, so stay tuned for more. See you guys then!
