MOTORSPORTS fans and racers alike trek to Clark Freeport this weekend for the third and final leg of the TGR (Toyota Gazoo Racing) Vios Cup, the country’s benchmark of car racing for nearly a decade now as only the likes of Toyota Motor Philippines (TMP) is capable of staging—and sustaining it no matter the odds.
The much-awaited, season-ending finale of a hotly-contested three-leg event is finally here and, to diehard race freaks, it is something of a never-miss climax.
The gates open early after the break of dawn at the iconic San Miguel International Speedway in Pampanga, where the first race gets flagged off at 9:30 a.m. on November 19.
Expected would be another throng of loyal spectators, including the young and old, male or female, and rich or poor. They have but one commonality: Their affection for the “aromatic” scent of burning rubber and high-octane fuel, and the “sweet” sound of an engine’s raging roar.
To one seeking alternative alienation, a car race is also a panacea to a conflicted soul. Easily, the TGR Vios Cup supplies the answer. And, to top it all, admission is free as TMP has been a firm advocate of bonding through out-of-town trips to enjoy family togetherness.
A total of 55 racers are entered in the circuit championships and autocross challengers, distributed in 12 teams vying for cash prizes and attractive trophies, according to Sunshine Cabrera, who is TMP’s chief media architect for the event.
As usual, not only pro racers are featured but media and other big-time influencers as well during the whole-day Saturday shindig, which will likewise highlight the driving skills of celebrities and silver screen stars in a day of fun and thrill.
They will compete in the circuit championships’ three major classes, namely: Super Sporting, Sporting and Promotional.
Of course, while the racers readily grab the spotlight outright, the star potential of the Vios as a race fixture is a latent component of the event. For, as in all previous editions, only the Vios is allowed to compete. One star is enough.
November deals
SEVERAL Toyota models are on sale up to end of November in preparation for the holidays.
The Innova J Dsl M/T comes either at P178,650 per month or for as low as P12,787 through the Pay Light option scheme. The Raize is pegged at only P10,110 per month for the G CVT, and the all-new Veloz at P13,210 per month for the G CVT.
And now the best-selling Vios XLE CVT comes at a discount of P45,000 when purchased in cash, and the Corolla Altis at P50,000.
Same deal with the Vios G, E, or XLE, plus a 5-year warranty.
The Hilux 4×2 J M/T can be had for as low as P10,709 per month, and the Hiace Commuter Deluxe M/T at P18,930 per month.
Also on promo are the Fortuner, Rush, Wigo, and Avanza.
For trade-in deals, get a P35,000 rebate for your Wigo for a Vios, or a Vios for an Innova. You can also get a P20,000 rebate for your Vios for an Avanza, Veloz, or Raize Turbo.
For the full mechanics of Toyota’s November deals and participating units, visit https://toyota.com.ph/promos/NewJourneys.
PEE STOP With “revenge spending” set to grip the metropolis shortly, expect heavy traffic to bedevil us once again before and during the Yuletide. Even with malls opening at 11 a.m. and closing at 11 p.m. won’t be of any help either come the peak of the buying binge. I speak from experience.