Toyota Motor Philippines president Michinobu Sugata (center) promises a much grander race this year.
MANILA, Philippines–Will Luis Gono of Team Toyota North Edsa successfully defend his crown or will one of last year’s top contenders—Pauland Dumlao of Team Toyota San Fernando/Mekeni Racing or Jason Choachuy of Obengers/Toyota North Edsa—make it in this year’s edition of the Toyota Vios Cup?
After a nail-biting conclusion of the 2014 Toyota Vios Cup on Oct. 19 at the Bonifacio Global City, the one-make race series spearheaded by Toyota Motor Philippines (TMP) is back for another exciting season.
The 2015 Toyota Vios Cup is in partnership with Bridgestone and Rota, supported by Motul, TRD, Denso, Brembo, AVT, OMP and Tuason Racing.
“The Vios has proven that aside from its inherent features of quality, durability and reliability, it is also a car designed for fun. Some of our season one racers should know—the special connection between the car and the driver is oftentimes a bond that words alone cannot completely explain. Perhaps the sound of engines roaring and the smell of rubber burning are still fresh in your heads. Well, sit back and hold on tight: a much-grander race awaits to be witnessed,” announced TMP president Michinobu Sugata during a recent press conference.
37 cars
As of end February, a total of 37 cars were fielded by dealers and individual teams with 39 drivers participating. Just like last year, there will also be a celebrities in the line up with Phoemela Baranda, Jinno Rufino and defending champ Sam YG returning to the grid this season.
They will be joined by new comers namely, actress Kylie Padilla, actress Jasmine Curtis-Smith, actor Derek Ramsay, and radio DJ Joyce Pring.
Racers will be divided into two groups, with Group A gunning for championship points, prize money and trophies, while Group B will be going for trophies only (celebrity and media drivers are automatically included in Group B). Groupings are determined based on qualifying lap times.
Instead of just three, a total of four legs are scheduled this year with the first one happening on March 20 to 21 at the Clark International Speedway.
Since the Toyota Vios Cup event is free and open to the public, a free shuttle service looping to and from Holiday Inn Clark, Mimosa Leisure Estate on that day will be provided. Gates open at 10 a.m.
“As we launch Season 2 of the Vios Cup, we will remain committed to lead this grassroots racing program developing basic motorsports knowledge and to hone racing skills of Filipinos. Catered to just about anyone, the Vios Cup has been designed for nonprofessionals, making it a platform even for first-time racers. It is my personal belief that motorsports is not only for the affluent motoring enthusiasts but something that is for anyone to appreciate and enjoy,” said Sugata.
Toyota will also be implementing several changes to the rules to ensure consistent officiating, competitive but safe racing. In terms of race officials, race partner Tuason Racing School will be getting the services of an ex-Filipino racing driver as well as a foreign racing driver (to be appointed by Toyota Racing Development or TRD) to serve as race stewards along with officials from the Automobile Association Philippines.
To keep the championship battle alive throughout the season, the point scoring system has been revised for this year. Out-of-circuit races have double points while the season finale back at the Clark International Speedway carries a points multiplier of 1.5.
Regional race coming?
To attune to the rules of the other Vios Cup races held outside the Philippines—potentially leading to a regional race in the near future—TMP raised the minimum total weight of the car and driver to 1,100 kilograms. Even the tires used has been changed to the Bridgestone Potenza RE002 tire.
At the moment, only Toyota Thailand has been running a Vios one-make race championship; Indonesia, Malaysia, Vietnam and other Asean countries are scheduled to form their own Vios one-make race series.
During race weekends, all drivers will now be required to pass a medical checkup, especially if he or she has been involved in an accident. Even the use of a HANS (head and neck support system) device is now mandatory.
“With new celebrities and some familiar faces making up the second season, and with an additional leg outside of Luzon being arranged, our dream of bringing the race even closer to the people will be further realized. All in all, I am confident that this motorsports program will gain even more following this season, making it more fun in the Philippines,” said Sugata.
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