After an eventful, roller-coaster year, the 12th Toyota Gazoo Racing Philippine Cup (if you’re count the earlier Vios Cup editions) triumphantly crossed the finish line over the weekend at Clark International Speedway in Angeles, Pampanga.
“This season is especially meaningful to me. In my third year as a racer, I had the privilege of driving the Tamaraw. Each lap reminded me that motorsports develops not only cars, but people as well,” said Toyota Motor Philippines President Masando Hashimoto, not just an obvious supporter of the series, but an enthusiastic competitor in it as well. “Despite the challenges we faced this year, we continued to race with purpose. Throughout the 2026 season, we learned, tested, improved, and pushed ourselves forward. As always, we use motorsports as a platform to help shape a better future for mobility.”
Sustain, sustainable
For a time, 2026 appeared headed for disruption on a scale not seen since the pandemic. After hostilities between the United States and Iran began on February 28 and closed the vital Strait of Hormuz shipping route, global oil supply chains were disrupted and fuel prices soared (and continue to do so).
In the Philippines, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. declared a State of National Energy Emergency through Executive Order No. 110, effective March 24 and in place for one year. In response, the Automobile Association Philippines (AAP) suspended its sanctioning of local races, including the TGR Philippine Cup.
Technically, however, the series does not require approval from the FIA-affiliated AAP. After postponing one race weekend, TMP rescheduled and redesigned the series to better reflect the energy situation and sensitivities. From Race Weekend Two onward, it adopted biofuels: An E20 bioethanol blend for the Vios, with 20 percent bioethanol sourced from sugarcane; and a B5 coco-biodiesel blend containing five percent coconut-derived biodiesel. By using the TGR Philippine Cup as a “rolling laboratory,” TMP aims to demonstrate the benefits of biofuels, encourage wider adoption, support local agriculture, and reduce dependence on imported oil.
Racers, especially Hashimoto, praised the switch, noting the absence of noticeable differences between biofuels and conventional fuels.
As TMP pledged to continue studying the viability and use of biofuels for next season, its president made another announcement that drew cheers and applause.
GR 86 OMR
“We are thrilled to introduce the GR 86 One-Make Race (OMR) Class for the 2027 TGR Philippine Cup,” he declared. Developed by TMP with longtime collaborator Autoplus (a well-known performance shop and tuner) the new cup car will debut next year. “We look forward to welcoming a new generation of drivers and enthusiasts as we expand our racing platform to three one-make race classes: the Vios, the Tamaraw, and now, the GR 86,” the executive added.
TMP will initially offer 30 GR 86 OMR units for sale, marking the first time a GR-based model will join its expanding series.
The GR 86 cup car comes in two versions: the Basic package at P2.96 million and the Performance package at P3.29 million.
TMP Product Planning Department Vice-President Luis Ulanday told Wheels in an exclusive interview that the Basic package offers aspiring racers a more affordable entry point. TMP hopes this will encourage more people to buy and race their own GR 86 in the series.
Meanwhile, TMP Product Planning Specialist Rafael Lee explained to this writer, “The Basic is an all-stock car with safety upgrades. We equipped it with FIA-spec regulation upgrades: a bucket seat, six-point safety harness, roll cage, kill switch, and fire extinguisher.” It also receives upgraded brake pads. In essence, Lee said, “This package is for people who want to join the series as a fun run.”
“But if you want to get serious about it,” he enthused, “you look at the Performance package.” This is the GR 86’s most competitive series-compliant configuration, with track-spec coilovers and larger brakes that improve both performance and brake life. The Performance package also includes a BRD cat-back exhaust, but Lee stressed that the engine and ECU remain untouched. “The only other additions are an oil cooler and an oil baffle pan to help with longevity and oil pressure,” he shared.
Rookie Racing Garage
“Our second announcement is the establishment of Rookie Racing Garage Manila, a new home for people who love cars,” continued Hashimoto. “Enthusiasts can customize their vehicles, explore performance cars, learn racing and performance-driving skills, and connect with others who share their passion.”
We expect further details on the Rookie Racing (RR) Garage Manila soon, but it should be noted that Rookie Racing is a personal project of Toyota Motor Corp. Chairman Akio Toyoda, who takes on the moniker Morizo when he’s behind the wheel of a racecar.
“Guided by the belief that motorsports improve both cars and people, RR treats the racetrack as a rolling laboratory where vehicles are continually tested, challenged, and refined. Every RR achievement is driven by a close-knit team united by passion and a shared commitment to growth,” continued Hashimoto. “(TMP Chairman) Alfred Ty and Akio Toyoda happen to share the initials ‘AT.’ More significantly, they share a common vision. Akio Toyoda seeks to create better cars and people through challenge and continuous improvement. Alfred Ty aims to build stronger communities and meaningful destinations that bring people together.”
We’ll definitely fill you in as more information comes our way.
