So: Everybody has a shot at winning
The tension of the forthcoming battles for the 2014 Vios Cup has gone widespread. And if you believe that Metro Manila dealers will lord it over the event, well think again. That’s because the provincial dealers are whipping up their own preparations in pursuit of the crown.
One of those aspiring to win the championship is Rene So who owns Team Toyota La Union and Team Toyota Dagupan. He may be a neophyte as far as racing is concerned, but having two credible and experienced drivers—Charlie Cojuangco of Team Toyota La Union and Bryan Co of Team Toyota Dagupan—makes his franchise a strong contender for the plum.
“It is the first time for us to participate in motorsports. And it’s quite a learning experience overseeing the different aspects of racing—from tedious preparations, selecting a team manager, to coming up with a pool of mechanics, technicians, helpers, car carriers and other logistical requirements for the event,” So related.
“Then we also need to design our Vios car for the race, prepare a uniform, caps, umbrella, towel, etc. We also needed to look for sponsors to support us in order to make it more fun and be as competitive as other teams.”
But what makes So confident of his title chances in the event are his drivers Cojuangco and Co.
Cojuangco is a true-blue racer by heart, starting in karting and later venturing in several car racing events. His last milestone feat was winning the TRS Fiesta Cup.
It was just by chance that So met Cojuangco and casually talked about Toyota’s plans to re-enter motorsports with the Vios Cup.
Right away, Cojuangco was very much interested that So took the chance to ask him join to the team.
Cojuangco replied with a “yes” right away.
Co, on the other hand, is one of the prominent competitors of the Circuit Showdown. Co was just the perfect choice for Team Toyota Dagupan as So wanted someone in Pangasinan who is very interested in racing and can represent his dealership in the province.
Moreover, So wanted a hometown racing icon that would entice local car enthusiasts to join or watch racing events like the Vios Cup and be able to promote racing in the Pangasinan area.
Realistically, So doesn’t want to push expectations to his drivers being a newcomer in racing.
“However, in every racing event, everybody has a chance of winning. As a newcomer in this field of sports, I feel we are a little short of time in preparation. But given the concept of a ‘One Make Race,’ it makes the chances of winning even for all teams.
“Therefore, I think with practice and teamwork we have a good chance to win. It will be a great honor and prestige to win the biggest car race in the country now. Also as a Toyota dealer, it will help the image of our dealership in the province.”
So believes so much can be learned from participating in such great event. It will benefit his two provincial Toyota dealer outlets since his technicians and mechanics will gain more experience from the race, as well as teamwork.
“The Vios Cup is a very good concept. There are a lot of motorsports enthusiasts in our country, and races like these unfortunately are limited. With a One Make Race, it makes the playing field even and, as beginners in this field, you don’t need to invest so much to be competitive.
“Lastly, the enthusiasts have a venue to learn more about car racing through the Toyota Racing School and, hopefully, be future world-class racing drivers. Our dealership will likewise gain exposure as a Toyota outlet that believes in Waku Doki and promotes motorsports especially to the car enthusiasts,” So added.—Bong Castro
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