Team Obengers shines bright at 4th season of Vios Cup

Toyota Motor Corp. founder Kiichiro Toyoda once said that car racing is more than just entertainment: “It is vital to the development of the Japanese passenger vehicle industry. Just as athletes test their capabilities by competing with all their strength in the Olympics, automakers use racing as an opportunity to push a vehicle’s performance to the limits and compete for supremacy, enabling them to discover new ways of advancing automotive technology.”

Through these wise words, the Philippines is fortunate to have the Vios Cup, which just concluded its 4th season.

In fact, during last week’s awarding ceremony, the number one automotive company in the country announced its intention to continue to spearhead this one-make race designed for non-professionals who are hopeful of becoming race car drivers in the near future.

Aside from demonstrating the reliability of the Vios, Toyota Motor Philippines’ as well as the country’s best-selling car model, the competition has led to the discovery of fresh talents, among them, 2015 overall champion Andres Calma who is son of PBA legend Hector Calma, and Vios Cup veteran Allan Uy, last year’s winner.

This year, it was time for the 20-year-old Cebuano racer Daniel Miranda of Obengers to shine.

After eight races, Miranda’s 160 points enabled him to capture the Total Excellum Super Sporting Class trophy. Joining him at the podium were Gerard Uy of Team Biskeg, who earned 100 points, and Allan Uy of Manila Proof Racing, who finished with 92 points earned.

Fantastic team

“Team Obengers stands out for many reasons. We have a fantastic team who come together to achieve great things. Our drivers are fantastic racers who make the most of every opportunity and who really support each other. We have such a talented team of mechanics and support staff who really care and who strive to make a difference every race day and very supportive family and of course, team principal,” said Obengers coach Roland Hermoso.

Also shining for Obengers were Keith Bryan Haw who finished fourth in the Super Sporting Class with 82 points and Raymond Ronquillo who finished eighth with 45 points. Paulo Agregado also finished third in the Bridgestone Sporting Class with 86 points.

Hermoso relates that team principal, Cosco Oben, who heads Toyota Balintawak, Otis, North Edsa, Marilao (in Bulacan), North Edsa Service Center-Mindanao avenue has been very supportive, always ready to extend any assistance he could at a moment’s notice.

“It’s been another great year for the Obengers and it feels good to get the championship back. Our drivers Daniel, Keith, Raymond, Sen JV, Paolo, Robert and Marc really worked together as a team to get this championship. Of course this wouldn’t have been possible without the guidance and racing expertise of our team coach Roland Hermoso and the hard work exerted by our 15-member pit crew from all our dealerships headed by Jojo Abatyo in making sure all our 7 Vios race cars are in top condition in practices and races,” Oben said.

Oben also thanked his sponsorsPeople’s General Insurance, Standard Insurance, Commonwealth Insurance, Stonghold Insurance, Centro Manufacturing, Wallem Philippines Shipping, COSCO Shipping Lines, TMS Ship Agency, Manila North Harbour Port, AVT, Powerstroke, Sikkens Paints, Liquimoly Philippines, Speed Metal, Spark Up, Toyota Financial Services, UCPB, Eastwest Bank, BDO and Puma for sustaining the team for the past four years.
For the Team Awards, Obengers bagged a winning score of 288 points.

As Vios Cup’s top driver, Miranda earned the right to represent the Philippines in the international circuit with Toyota Gazoo Racing Team Asia happening from Dec. 14 to 16. He will be joined by drivers Teravate Pukpiboon from Thailand, Mark Darwin from Malaysia, and Demas Agil Ramadani from Indonesia.

Currently this team is training to represent the region in the Super Endurance 600 at the Chang International Circuit in Thailand.

Other winners

Toyota San Pablo’s Mark Sy ruled the Sporting Class with 131 points while Tonton Ramos, representing Toyota San Fernando finished second (101 points).

Toyota Isabela’s Red Diwa ruled the Promotional Class with 119 points while Kapamilya actor and model Dominic Roque ruled the Rota Celebrity Class with 167 points.