The dry track of Clark International Speedway became witness to an exciting conclusion of the first Toyota Gazoo Racing (TGR) Philippine Cup by Toyota Motor Philippines (TMP). The combined Sprint and Endurance races proved to be challenging for everyone, especially under the Pampanga sun. That did not deter the drivers though as they all raced to the checkered flag.
Racing in the Toyota Gazoo Racing Philippine Cup is so thrilling that TMP President Masando Hashimoto cut his business trip short so he can join the final race of the season in Clark, Pampanga.
“I wanted to meet the racers, mechanics, coaches, and motorsports fans – this is my motivation for coming back. Today is the last race weekend of the TGR Philippine Cup, which will decide the season winners, so I wanted to say congratulations to them,” Hashimoto said.
In case you need a refresher, the TGR Philippine Cup combines two classes per race. The difference in skill level makes for a more complicated race for the drivers, but a more exciting one for the fans. The first Sprint for the Novice and Promotional Class saw a reverse grid. That put Lexi Mendiola from the Novice Class and Johndale Dy of the Promotional Class to start on the front row, based on the results of the previous race.
It was a tightly contested race that saw different podium placers. Jamil Lacuna took the win in Sprint Race 5, followed by Russel Reyes, and Pablo Salapantan. For the Promotional Class, Bong Garbes of Inbox – Toyota San Fernando took the win, followed by Mike Santos and Miguel Abano.
Things were juggled a bit in the Novice Class for Sprint Race 6. Pablo took the win, followed by John Rey San Diego and Russel Reyes in third. Meanwhile, Bong Garbes of the Promotional Class maintained his position at the top for their Sprint Race 6, but he was now followed by Ryan Agoncillo in second, and Johndale Dy in third.
The more experienced Sporting and Super Sporting Class had a more varied set of winners in the last 2 races. Darrel Garbes of Inbox – Toyota San Fernando got the win in the Sprint Race 5 of Sporting Class, with Paolo Ayo in second and Alain Alzona in third. Come Sprint Race 6, Danzel Waytan sealed the win after starting on pole, followed by Jay Lao and Alain Alzona who was consistent on third.
For the Super Sporting Class, Red Diwa of JBT Racing/Toyota Isabela won the Sprint Race 5. Iñigo Anton had to settle for second and Maila Alivia in third. Come Sprint Race 6, Russel Cabrera of Toyota Team Cebu emerged on top, followed by Mikey Keilani Jordan and Iñigo Anton.
The Endurance Race pitted all 34 drivers on the track with the Super Sporting Class infront, followed by Sporting, Promotional, and Novice. Still, their results are per class. It just made for a more interesting 1.5-hour race.
Iñigo Anton finally had a win on the final weekend as he took the win in the Endurance Race for his Super Sporting Class. He was followed by Russel Cabrera and Maila Alivia. The Sporting Class had Alain Alzona on the top step, followed by Jesse Garcia and Paolo Ayo.
Bong Garbes got his third win of the weekend with the Endurance Race win in the Promotional Class. He was followed by Julia Delos Angeles and Ryan Agoncillo. Meanwhile, Jamil Lacuna once again clinched the race win for his class in the Endurance Race, followed by Reph Bangsil and Russel Reyes.
After three races that weekend and accumulating their points in the six sprint and three endurance races, here are the winners of the first Toyota Gazoo Racing Philippine Cup.
His consistency in the leaderboards was key as Russel Reyes won the Novice Class. Jamil Lacuna was in second place, followed by John Rey San Diego in third.
It wasn’t surprising at this point since he aced all races in the final weekend. Bong Garbes of Inbox – Toyota San Fernando won the Promotional Class, followed by Julia Delos Angeles and Rex Abrenilla.
Alain Alzona of Toyota General Santos – Chooks-To-Go-Racing clinched the top spot of the Sporting Class. He was seconded by Danzel Waytan, with Jarond Mensina in third.
Finally, the Super Sporting Class. Iñigo Anton of Toyota Balintawak – Obengers Racing Team emerged victorious as he took the top step of the podium. Russel Cabrera settled for second and Red Diwa in third. Meanwhile, Obengers Racing Team received the Team Championship for this first season.
“Guided by Chairman Akio Toyoda’s WE LOVE CARS spirit, we can develop Philippine motorsports for the better. Because of you, we can bring motorsports closer to more Filipinos and share with them the FUN TO DRIVE experience,” said TMP President Masando Hashimoto.
The Toyota Gazoo Racing Philippine Cup was brought to you by Official Fuel & Lubricants Partner Petron and Official Tire Partner GT Radial, and in cooperation with Official Timekeeper Seiko. This event is also supported by Toyota Financial Services Philippines, myTOYOTA Wallet, Denso, AVT, 3M, ROTA, Tuason Racing, OMP, and Kinto One.
