The 2014 Vios Cup One Make Race Series goes full-blast on track on May 24 at the Clark International Speedway.
With the Vios cars prepared ready for the competitive racing action, the drivers are now testing their assigned cars and hopefully finalize the adjustments needed to be done with the limited time left.
The Vios Cup is a program aimed at rekindling the Filipinos’ love for Toyota cars through the years via its new motorsports champion vehicle, the Vios. Toyota Motor Philippines, headed by president Michinobu Sugata, wants the 2014 Vios Cup to be a full-blast Waku-Doki Festival to bring back the fun and excitement of driving a Toyota.
Being the first Toyota motorsport event in several years, Sugata sought the support and involvement of all Toyota dealer outlets nationwide to put up their teams for the event and experience for themselves the much talked-about Waku Doki concept. He wants the dealers to instill within themselves the pride and the tradition of that distinct Toyota championship heritage and pass it on to their respective outlet clientele.
“Being a one-Make race means the cars have to be in a stock condition as much as possible, thus eliminating the need for expert technicians and highly-paid tuners for modified engines,” explained J.P. Tuason of Tuason Racing School (TRS). TRS helped organize the Vios Cup racing program. “This will squeeze out the great fusion of the Vios’ scientific design and latest engineering technology, which any other Filipino can experience in driving a Vios on the road,” he added.
Toyota Quezon Avenue joins the action
Expected to be among the strong contenders for the crown is Toyota Quezon Avenue being the pioneer Toyota dealer in the country taking pride in its 25 years of experience in the industry.
Malou La Madrid of TQA said they have tediously selected the best team of drivers – Allan Uy and Dominique Ochoa and gathered the best team of mechanics and support personnel who will set up the car and everything needed for the event.
“Our aim is to focus on teamwork. We see to it that we are prepared for any type of situation, technical difficulties or any problems that may arise during the race. Having the experience and uncompromised regard for excellence, we will make our team distinct and the most competitive for the Toyota Vios Cup,” said La Madrid.
“We want to have the best drivers to represent team TQA. We know they will take pride in representing our dealer in this momentous event. We are very confident that they will emerge as winners in this said competition,” she added.
The team went through rigorous team practices the past few weeks wherein the stress test exercises and series of activities enhanced their skills, enabling the whole team to synchronize their individual roles. Giving primary concern to health and safety, the TQA Team also underwent rigorous health tests to make them fit to qualify for the race.
“Every team has a fair chance of winning the race since all race cars in the pit have the same specifications. At the end of the day it all boils down to having the best and competitive team for the race. We are confident enough that our team drivers and mechanics have a competitive edge in winning.”
La Madrid further believes the 2014 Vios Cup will be a big marketing exposure and learning experience not just for Team TQA but for all Toyota outlet dealers.
“We definitely think that this is a great concept. The “Vios Cup Concept” being the biggest official grid race sanctioned by FIA in the country is a one big leap for the racing community here in the Philippines. To showcase the true meaning of Waku-Doki is the feeling of anticipation and adrenaline rush that you get when you are about to do something exciting. This will get race car enthusiasts to patronize streamline of Toyota vehicles. This will highlight the safety features of the country’s best-selling car, Toyota Vios.”
“This enormous event will showcase our technical expertise and to emerge as champion will definitely inspire our team to sustain and exceed our goal, “Race to Excellence”. We expect not only to gain prestige and recognition but also to develop camaraderie among our Toyota team members, clients and sponsors. This type of activity will help us further improve our technical know-how and team management skills for our future races.”
“We believe that this would not be the last time that Toyota will conduct this kind of activity. This race will help us identify our strengths and weaknesses. It will allow us to convert our weak points to opportunities for improvement with end result, is to exceed beyond the standard,” she further explained.
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