Top performers bunch up after the awards ceremony.
Toyota Motor Philippines once again proved how well they can organize a race and throw a party.
Toyota celebrated its all-new Vios with a music festival and the brand plate’s halo program, the Vios Cup, on its 5th season with a racing on the tree-lined streets of Filivest, which was converted to the Toyota Manila South Circuit after three weeks of grueling setting up,
Street races tend to bring the best of the best, giving everyone the same footing with equal track time and practice.
Of course, those with superior skills will be able to adapt better to the new layout, even while battling elements such as rain, debris, and tarmac quality.
For some racers, spectators and team owners, this was the first time to experience a street race; others have grown with the series.
Here are the views of those who witnessed history.
Satoru Suzuki
President,
Toyota Motor Philippines
“I would like to personally thank the unwavering support of our major sponsors—Bridgestone, Rota, and our official fuel partner Petron, supported by Motul, Brembo, ACVT, 3M, Denso, OMP, and Tuason Racing.
“You have been our solid partners in sustaining the success of the Vios Cup and our advocacy of promoting the passion of the Filipinos in local motorsports.”
Sam Milby
Pole position, Race 1
Promotional/Celebrity Class
“My first street race last weekend in Filinvest had a lot of ups and downs, from taking pole position and a good lead in race 1 to crashing out of the race—still was an excellent fun experience.
“The track was technical, and it was great that no one had an advantage since all of us got the same amount of practice.
“Thank you, Toyota Motor Philippines, for the fantastic experience and for everyone who came out to watch the race. And to Toyota, sorry about the car.”
Racing at the tree-line Filinvest streets with the all new Vios as the safety car
Phoemela Baranda
Team Philippine Arena
Pole position, Race 2 Sporting Class, 4th Overall Sporting Class
“This is one of the nicest tracks I have ever raced on for the Vios Cup. The track and execution were done superbly. Again, Toyota always ups the game.”
Troy Montero
Actor/media personality
Champion, Celebrity Class Race 2
“When someone asks, ‘So, what did you do on your birthday?’ Well, I joined my first street race in Filinvest, and I won! One of the best experiences I’ve had in the world.
“The most exciting part of the race for me was being in the lead, and seeing the last lap sign go up.
“Knowing that Fabio was breathing down my neck and hoping I would make a mistake, crossing the finish line in first place is such a fantastic feeling.”
Diego Loyzaga
Actor
Champion, Celebrity
Class Race 1
“This weekend was a weekend for the books. It was a dream to be a race car driver since I was a kid.
“After doing my first leg last April in Clark, I wanted to prove to myself that the dream is within my grasp.
“Qualifying second in the QTT, and winning the first race in my class, I was at a loss for words. My heart was beating so fast. The feeling was nothing like I’ve ever felt before.
Birthday boy Troy Montero receives his award from Petron executive Bong Paguia
“Have you ever seen or felt your dream unfold, and see it in front of you? That was me this weekend. I got to see my dream come true. Thank you, Toyota for making this kid the happiest kid in the world.”
Michael Rojas
President, Rota Wheels
“There is something about the atmosphere in a city race that you can’t get at Clark. People are more relaxed, and it had a party atmosphere that I liked.”
Bryan Co
Toyota Dagupan
Champion, Super Sporting Class Race 2
“Vios Cup Season 5 Race 5 = 55! Finally got that elusive win.
“When the safety car came out, I knew I had a big chance of winning. I just needed to hold off Aira Medrano for a couple more laps … the longest 14 laps of my life.”
Jinno Rufino
Growl–Thule Racing Team
Champion, Promotional Class Race 1
“The Vios Cup this weekend was just phenomenal. It had everything from action, suspense, drama, and a little comedy as well.
“Having it the same weekend as the Toyota Music Fest was just a marketing genius. Only a Formula 1 weekend would’ve brought all different sources of entertainment together.”
Diego Loyzaga and Phoemela Baranda
Dominic Ochoa
Team Toyota Quezon Avenue
2nd place, Super Sporting Class Race 1
“Racers have matured through the years. Despite the unfortunate incident in the second heat, it was still my most memorable weekend. Excellent job, Toyota Motor Philippines. Epic!”
Elysse Menorca
Obengers
2nd place, Promotional Class Race 1/4th place, Promotional
Class Race 2
“The street race was so intense and unpredictable. It was a good learning experience for me as a racer, and it has a different feel compared to our sports in CIS.
“At the end of the day, it was all worth it, and was super fun!”
Lord Seno
Team Toyota Cebu
Champion, Sporting Class Race 1
“The Manila South Circuit in Filinvest Alabang is a unique experience. I raced here two years ago, and it never ceases to amaze how intense and exciting it can get.
“The festive mood of the event adds to the excitement. Excellent work, TMP!”
Marco Roces De Guzman
Partner, Draft and Brewery Group
I enjoyed seeing all the cars in the pit lane, and seeing the drivers get psyched up for the races. It was a great event, and I am glad I was finally able to catch it. Can’t wait for the next one.”
Claus Karthe
Expat/IT investor
“I watched the second to last race at the previous turn going into the start/finish line. It was a tight corner, and some drivers seemed to overestimate the grip on the tarmac.
“Several cars collided with the crash barrier, and one car flipped over. Luckily the driver was fine.
“The safety car came out, and the marshalls managed to turn the Vios racecar back on its wheels.
“An official gets in and starts the car, and under a lot of smoke, heads off back to the pits—amazing Toyota quality and well-managed safety action by the organizers. Exciting and fun to watch an event.”
Jerry Garcia
President/owner of Supperclub Los Angeles
“Just recently got back from LA, and some of my friends were talking about the Vios Cup.
“It’s my first time to go to the Vios Cup and see a street race in the Philippines. I’m going to the next one. So much to do, watch and experience. Bravo! I had a blast.”
Raffy David
Parts Pro Team manager
“A street race is always great because of all the support the teams get from friends, family, sponsors, and fans that otherwise wouldn’t make the trip to the tracks which are two hours away.
“We at PartsPro Racing were busy not only with our drivers and their cars, but also introducing the fun of watching motorsport with many first-time viewers.
“We’ve always invited them to attend, and finally, they came, and everyone said they had a great time.”
Cosco Oben
Toyota dealer/Team Obengers
“It was a very successful race weekend. The team performed well, but most importantly, there were no major accidents, and we saw fewer damages on the cars.
“Thank you for ensuring a safe street race. Congratulations to all the winners.”
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