Street kings

Toyota Motor Philippines has turned the quiet streets of Villar City into a motorsports playground during the second Race Weekend of the 2025 Toyota Gazoo Racing (TGR) Philippine Cup, held from 23 to 25 May. More than 12,000 motorsport fans came out for the street circuit spectacle, where rubber burned, engines roared, and the energy was electric.

The 2.4-kilometer makeshift street track featured 14 twists and turns — including two hairpins and six chicanes — that tested racers across four classes: Novice, Sporting, Super Sporting and Legacy. The competition was intense, and nowhere was that clearer than during the Novice Class circuit race, when TMP president Masando Hashimoto flipped his Vios OMR car in the final laps. Thankfully, he walked away unscathed.

“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,” Hashimoto shared. “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.”

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.

Toyota also applies the same safety standards to its road cars with safety features such as Toyota Safety Sense, airbags and various control systems.

TGR, TMP’s motorsports arm, has been committed to “pushing the limits for better” through vehicle development in controlled environments. The TGR Philippine Cup, moreover, is conducted under the supervision of the Automobile Association Philippines to ensure the racetrack is compliant with safety standards.

President Hashimoto continues, “Toyota Global chairman Akio Toyoda always emphasizes the importance of ‘driving, breaking, and fixing’ in vehicle development. By repeatedly driving and breaking cars in the race environment, he 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 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.

Eventgoers were also treated to free musical performances by OPM rock stars Rico Blanco and Parokya ni Edgar on 24 May, and Ely Buendia and Bamboo on 25 May.

And now, the winners’ circle:

Sprint Race 3

Novice Class

Pablo Salapantan clinched the top spot, followed by Ian Magbanua and John Rey San Diego.

Sporting Class

Russel Reyes took charge with a solid first-place finish. Jesse Garcia of Obengers Racing — Toyota Balintawak finished second, while Bernardus Corpino of Jordan Racing secured third.

Super Sporting Class

Joaquin Garrido from Obengers Racing outpaced everyone for the win. Russel Cabrera (Toyota Team Cebu) took silver, with Red Diwa (Toyota Isabela) rounding off the podium.

Legacy Class

Oliver Aquino led the pack under Oyi Racing’s Tech 7 Project, edging out Paolo Ang (Madkart — R Racing) and Julian Colvin (Toyota Gazoo Racing Philippines).

Sprint Race 4:

Novice Class

Reph Bangsil, stepped up to the top, with Luis Moreno in second. President Masando Hashimoto finished third.

Sporting Class

This round belonged to R Racing Team, with Raymond Cudala and Mike Santos taking first and third, respectively. Bernardus Corpino stayed consistent in second for Jordan Racing.

Super Sporting Class

Jarond Mesina of Dash Racing x Era Autosport took a well-earned win. Alain Gabriel Alzona (Toyota General Santos — Smart Communications Racing) placed second, with Michael Brayan Co returning to the podium in third.

Legacy Class

Luigi Agustin Co, racing under Gel Napat Racing — R Racing, claimed victory. Senator JV Ejercito (Obengers Racing — Toyota Balintawak) made his mark in second, and Andre Rodrigues (Oyi Racing) completed the top three.

Sprint Race 5:

Novice Class

Pablo Salapantan reclaimed his winning form, with Ian Magbanua keeping pace in second. Hashimoto once again proved his racing spirit by finishing third.

Sporting Class

Jesse Garcia (Obengers Racing) returned to the top of the standings, while Bernardus Corpino remained consistent in second. Miguel Hernandez Abano (DrQ.Motorsports/Era Autosport) stepped up for third.

Super Sporting Class

Russel Cabrera took command of Toyota Team Cebu, with Joaquin Garrido close behind. Michael Brayan Co once again showed up in third for R Garage/Toyota Dagupan Group.

Legacy Class

Oliver Aquino repeated his winning performance for Oyi Racing. Julian Colvin (Toyota Gazoo Racing Philippines) improved to second, pushing Paolo Ang (Madkart — R Racing) to third this time around.

The mobility company also showcased its lineup of vehicles through the Toyota Drive Fest with test drives; vehicle displays of its GR and GR-S, Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV), Tamaraw, and Lexus F SPORT lineups; and event-exclusive promos on new vehicles. Customers were able to get discount coupons, which they used to purchase new vehicles.

T-SURE, Toyota’s pre-owned vehicles program, also displayed certified pre-owned cars for sale for those considering secondhand vehicles.

Fans can look forward to Race Weekend 3 of the 2025 TGR Philippine Cup in August at the Clark International Speedway. Tune in to Toyota Gazoo Racing Philippines on Facebook, Instagram, X, YouTube and TikTok for updates.

The Toyota Gazoo Racing Philippine Cup is sanctioned by the Automobile Association Philippines and is brought to you by Official Fuel & Lubricants Partner Petron and Official Tire Partner GT Radial, in cooperation with Official Venue Partners Villar City and Brittany.

This event is also supported by Official Timekeeper Seiko, Toyota Financial Services Philippines, Tuason Racing, AVT, 3M, Denso, ROTA, PIAA, Autoplus, OMP, Bebang Halo-Halo, AutoQuix and Kinto One.

For more information on the TGR Philippine Cup and other TGR events, visit https://toyota.com.ph/tgrphilippines. Follow TMP’s official pages — ToyotaMotorPH on Facebook, Instagram and X, and join the Viber community at Toyota PH for updates.