The Toyota GAZOO Racing Festival (TGR Festival) heads to Penang next weekend (February 15/16) for the third round, again using the venue at Stadium Batu Kawan on the mainland side. Currently in its third season, the highlight of the event is the Toyota Vios Challenge one-make race series. Drivers in all three classes – Super Sporting, Sporting and Promotional class – aim to pick up as many points as possible before the final round at the Sepang International Circuit in April.
“Penang can essentially make or break a driver’s championship campaign this season. For some, it will be the last chance to capitalize on their experience competing on a street circuit and hopefully build an almost unassailable lead in the championship. For others, it will be about fighting to narrow the gap in order to keep their championship hopes alive, enough to cause an upset when the racing moves to a permanent circuit,” said Toyota GAZOO Racing Malaysia’s Chief Motorsports Officer, Akio Takeyama, who is also a participant.
Close racing during the first round of the first season. The 1.56-km long street circuit is created specially for the event.
In the Super Sporting class for professionals, Tengku Djan Ley – currently has the lead with 36 points, just 8 points ahead of Laser Motor’s Mark Darwin. Kenny Lee is just one point behind.
“It’s great to be leading the championship but with 4 more races in the season, I have to make sure I stay focused. We still have a long way to go, and the experience of competing in Season 1 and managing a team in Season 2 has taught me that the overall championship almost always comes down to the last two races of the season and I don’t foresee it being any different this time,” said Tengku Djan, also known as Malaysia’s ‘Prince of Drift’.
FIA-approved barriers and fencing allow spectators to be close to the action without being in danger.
Meanwhile, with 17 drivers on the grid, every single Sporting class race has been nothing short of a dogfight. Automotive journalist Tom Goh, driving for S&D Tama Motorsports, is at the top of the points standings with 28 points, just two points ahead of TGR debutante Haji Sutan Mustaffa Salihin. One point behind him is Crestmax Motorsport’s Adam Khalid followed by another TGR newcomer and young driver Bradley Benedict Anthony with 22 points.
Leading the Promotional class for celebrities is television presenter and comedian Nabil Ahmad who has a 4-point advantage over Season 1 overall champion Shawn Lee at 28 points, with singer Khai Bahar in third position. Diana Danielle; Janna Nick; Shukri Yahaya; Nabila Razali; Wany Hasrita; Ain Edruce; and Syafiq Kyle are the other celebrities who will take part in the rave which draws many of their fans from all over the country.
The TGR Festival gives fans a chance to get close to their favourite celebrities who also take part in the Vios Challenge.
Commenting on the TGR Festival, UMW Toyota Motor President, Ravindran K., said: “The excitement of the TGR Festival is not confined to thrills and spills on the track but includes so many activities for the family. It will feature Toyota’s fleet of new vehicles which the public can view and test-drive.”
“There will also be a drift performance, racing simulator challenge, stage games, celebrity performances, promotional activities, lucky draws, the sale of merchandises, and a Super Fans Signing Session for a chance to mingle with the celebrities racing in the Promotional class. Also on display will be the flagship GR Supra!” he added.
For fitness fans, the TGR Festival will also feature a fun run on the 1.56-km track as well as a zumba fitness session on Sunday. Registration is free with goodies limited to the first 500 participants. Also on display will be a Super GT racing car in conjunction with the upcoming Malaysian round of the Super GT Championship at the Sepang International Circuit in July.
Drift professionals from Japan thrill the crowds with their precise manoeuvres in Toyota GT86 sportscars.
This historically-significant Toyota Corolla KE-10 will be on display at the event.
Other attractions include the display of a fully restored 1968 Toyota Corolla KE-10 model (one of the very first Toyota vehicles assembled in Malaysia), a retro display by the Art of Speed, and a showcase of motorcycles and merchandise by Harley Davidson, Aprilia, Vespa and Moto Guzzi. Children’s activities include a bey blade competition, the sale of Hot Wheels die-cast models, and a nerf gun competition.
Entrance is free and for those who want to be ‘chauffeur-driven’ to the venue, the organisers are offering subsidized rides with Grab. Use the promo code GRAB2TGR and you will save RM20 on the charge to and from Stadium Batu Kawan.
For more information and updates, visit the Toyota GAZOO Racing Malaysia website.
Keyword: Toyota GAZOO Racing Festival/Vios Challenge to be held in Penang on February 15/16