10 tips to make the most out of your Vios Cup experience

One of the biggest motorsport events in Philippine racing history will happen this Sunday, Sept. 6, at the Manila Bay Circuit, SM Mall of Asia.

The Toyota Vios Cup will feature almost 50 cars racing wheel-to-wheel on a 1.7 km street race track.

Participants include up-and-coming racing superstars like Andres Calma (Cebu leg champion and son of basketball legend Hector Calma), crowd favorite  Pauland Dumlao, 2014 champion 16-year-old Luis Gono and karting champions Bobby Domingo, Basti Escalante, Stefano Rivera and heartthrob Daniel Miranda. Derek Ramsey and Sam YG will continue to battle it out as to who will be the faster hunk. Phoemela Baranda, Jasmine Curtis-Smith, Kylie Padilla, Sam YG, Fabio Ide, Dominic Ochoa, Jinno Rufino and Sen. JV Ejercito are also part of the race grid.

The track which took two weeks to build is similar to the set-up of a Formula One street race in Singapore and is certified by AAP and TRD (Toyota Racing Development) Japan.

For those not familiar, Automobile Association Philippines is the representative/counterpart in the country of FIA, or International Automobile Federation, which also organizes Formula One. TRD, on the other hand, is the global motorsport division of Toyota which oversees all racing efforts of the automotive giant.

Thousands are expected to attend this historic event, specially because admission is free. Toyota made sure that spectators will be comfortable with numerous tents surrounding the event area.

Here are some tips on how you can thoroughly enjoy this racing experience.

1. Come early. Festivities start at 9:30 am but coming a bit early guarantees you parking space, giveaways and prime seats in the event area. You will also get to enjoy a celebrity meet and greet at the main stage.

2. Know which road to take. See the rerouting plan which shows which roads are accessible during this event. No major thoroughfare will be completely closed. Diokno Avenue and Seaside road will have one side open.

3. Park at the mall and ride the shuttle. Although there are open parking lots around the event area, you can still opt for the mall-covered parking and take the shuttle from the mall straight to the entrance of the event area.

4. Be ready for the elements; the event is outdoors. Bring sunblock and shades. Vios Cup caps will be given away (first come first served until supplies last). Also bring a raincoat or umbrella.

5. Kids are welcome and will have activities to do at the kiddie area.

6. Bring a camera and marker pen. There will be lots of race cars, race drivers and celebrities to meet, snap photos and get autographs from.

7. Wear comfortable shoes.

8. Bring cash. Although the activities are free, you would need to shell out for your food and drink. There will be food trucks and concessionaires in the event area.

9. Check out the sponsors’ booths for their gimmicks. Lots of freebies and special deals will be made available on the weekend. There will also be a Toyota Hilux test drive.

10. Charge your phones and bring a battery pack. There will be a lot of instagram opportunities during the event. Don’t forget to use #vioscup #manilabaycircuit #startthefun so everyone can see your wonderful photos as well!!