What makes a Toyota Gazoo Racing street race special?

There is always something special about racing on a street circuit.

On a proper racetrack, yes cars can really get up to speed with plenty of run-off to get drivers to push and come off unscathed with a mistake. But a street circuit with walls and barriers, it’s unforgiving. It brings out the best in racing drivers, trying to gain as much time by pushing the speed, and pushing right up to the guardrails. The challenge is there, and as race fans you’re right there to see the action.

That’s what Toyota is bringing back with the Toyota Gazoo Racing Philippine Cup: they’re going to race on the streets of Villar City just south of Metro Manila.

Yes, TGR will go racing on temporary street circuits, echoing the days when grand prix machines went flat out on a racing circuit set on the roads of Greenhills over 5 decades ago and when touring cars raced at Fort Bonifacio almost 30 years ago. Toyota has also brought the action to the city close to the fans, with Vios race cars going flat out in Cebu, in Alabang, in Manila Bay, and the first one at McKinley West. I remember that first one well: I raced there, many years ago.

For a driver, a street track presents a unique set of challenges, the biggest of which is unfamiliarity. Unlike permanent racing facilities, there is no chance to really get fully familiarized with the track beforehand. It’s going to be all-new meaning you’ll have to learn the corners, the straights, the curbs, the braking points, where to push and where to sacrifice your line to get a better exit out. But the great thing is it will be equal for all, and the drivers that adjust and adapt to the unfamiliar will succeed.

For the fan, a street track brings the action so much closer to you. Permanent race tracks are typically in fairly remote locations, but street circuits are nearby, and probably on roads you’re already familiar with.

The best part is the rush you’ll feel and hear. Racing circuits are usually wide open spaces where the sound of the engines and screeching tires dissipate; in a street circuit, it’s all there contained. Every muffler, every engine, every tire scream will be heard. And you’ll feel the rush from the grandstands as the race-prepped Toyota Vios cars whizz by. Some may even kiss the guardrail. It will be an experience for sure.

While my racing days are behind me, I can’t wait to see the guys in action again on the street. It’ll be a thrill for sure, and the circuit that they laid out at Villar City will be of a higher speed than any we’ve seen before on a Philippine street track.

If you want to catch the action too, come on and watch with us at the Toyota Gazoo Racing Philippine Cup. It’s happening this weekend (May 24 to 25) in Villar City. Admission is always free, and you can enjoy the festive atmosphere with the whole family by trying out the simulator rigs, fun games at the booths, and even shop for GR merch. Toyota will also have some special offers at the event for their cars, as well as test drives for those that want to experience what their cars have to offer.

And to make it even more exciting, there will be performances by Parokya ni Edgar and Rico Blanco on Saturday. If you can also join on Sunday, then you’ll get to rock out with Bamboo and Ely Buendia on May 25.

But for us, it will be about the racing action. We want to see the best drivers take the checkered flag first. I’m sure they’re all feeling the pressure now. -Vince Pornelos