Toyota GAZOO Racing is one of the most iconic racing divisions in the world, housed under one of the biggest automotive brands in history. While it has since integrated the GR nameplate into some of Toyota’s most popular passenger vehicles, it continues to make waves on the race track and among motorsport enthusiasts.
This month, Toyota Motor Philippines (TMP) prepares to celebrate Toyota GAZOO Racing with the biggest gathering yet. On August 23, 2023, TMP opens the TOYOTA GAZOO Racing Festival (TGR Festival) as part of the company’s 35th Anniversary Celebration in the Philippines. The TGR Festival will be a 2-day event, created to give homage to the continuing legacy of TOYOTA GAZOO Racing and to bring together the community of enthusiasts that have shown its support to TGR throughout the years.
TOYOTA GAZOO Racing Festival is as commemorative as it is celebratory. It will be graced by the presence of none other than Toyota Motor Corporation Chairman Akio Toyoda, himself. To many, he is also known as “Morizo,” his callsign when he’s behind the wheel, racing under the GR brand. As part of the festivities, Morizo-san will be showcasing his excellent racing skills in a special Driving Exhibition. He will be joined by Japanese champion racers from the GAZOO Racing team, Norihiko Katsuta and Masahiro Sasaki, who will be bringing with them the legendary GR race cars, the Toyota WRC Yaris and Red Bull GR Corolla.
Fun fact — the Red Bull GR Corolla made its name when 2022 WRC World Champion, Calle Rovampella won Formula Drift Japan that year using this particular race car.
Another major highlight that Filipino motorsport aficionados will definitely enjoy is the Drifting and Gymkhana Competition, where there will be an exhibition by some of the most well-known names in Philippine on-track drifting. These champions include Alex Perez, Luis Gono, Marlon Stockinger, and Ryan Agoncillo, who will be using TGR performance cars like the GR Supra, GR Yaris, and GR 86.
The TGR Festival will also be the venue for the 2023 TGR GT Cup Philippines National Finals. The finals will determine the e-racers that will be representing the Philippines this coming September at the TGR GT Cup Asia Regional competition to be held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
Add to this, attendees at the Festival will be given a chance to ride shotgun in the Toyota WRC Yaris and Red Bull GR Corolla — a once-in-a-lifetime experience for fans and racers-at-heart alike! They can also look forward to winning original GR merchandise throughout the 2-day event, as well as enjoy live musical performances by OPM artists, like Ely Buendia, Ben & Ben, Parokya ni Edgar, Kamikazee, and more!
The TOYOTA GAZOO Racing Festival will run from August 23 to 24, 2023 at the Quirino Grandstand, Manila. It will be open to the public with no entrance fee. Register ahead at this link for admission.
Words by Gen Tiu
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