Time Attack Manila

Growl-Thule Racing Team ready to challenge Toyota Vios Cup and Formula V1

Making its motorsports debut in 2018, the newly-formed Growl-Thule Racing Team is ready to take on two bold challenges this year.

The endeavor is a synergy between Growl Audio Philippines, one of the largest developers and distributors of OEM in-dash AVN systems, and Tow & Stow Industries Inc., the country’s exclusive importer and distributor of THULE, a premium global brand of automotive sport and cargo products. Together, the team will enter the Toyota Vios Cup Season 5 and the inaugural Giti – Formula V1 Challenge with drivers Jinno Rufino and Jussi Hoikka.

Don Asumen, Growl Audio Philippines President said: “Growl Audio aims to make its mark in the Vios Cup and Formula V1 this 2018 and be part of Philippine motorsport history. It’s also great opportunity for us to highlight our quality products in an exciting venue, sharing a lasting and quality driving experience. We’re very happy to have Jinno and Jussi as our drivers and we’re confident that they’ll be growling and roaring in their fight to good finishes.”

With three seasons under his belt, Jinno Rufino is moving up from the Celebrity Class to the more competitive Promotional Class in the upcoming Vios Cup. He’ll be driving the No. 10 red-and-black Growl-Thule Racing Vios throughout the 2018 race calendar. There will be eight races in three events that begins on April 27/28 at the Clark International Speedway. It’ll then visit the Filinvest Street Circuit, Alabang in July before returning to Clark in September for the finale.

“I miss all the action, drama, and suspense of the Vios Cup. I’d like to thank Growl-Thule Racing for giving me this opportunity to be part of the team,” commented Jinno Rufino. “I won’t be racing in the Celebrity Class this year so things will be a bit different. Hopefully everything I learned over the last three seasons I raced in the Vios Cup comes back when the lights turn green.”

Growl Thule Racing Team

Growl-Thule Racing’s entry in the Giti – Formula V1 Challenge will be headed by Jussi Hoikka. The Finnish driver brings with him his experience competing in touring cars and superbikes, which should prove valuable when the season kicks off in May. The sprint events will have two 12-laps races each, while the season ender in November will be a four hour endurance race.

“The partnership between Growl and Thule is a fantastic opportunity and I’m very excited to join the team. Having raced touring cars in the past, and knowing how professional the Giti – Formula V1 Challenge will be run, I’m looking forward to an exciting season ahead. I think we have a very competitive package and there’s a very good chance for the team to get good results,” said Jussi Hoikka.

The Growl-Thule Racing Team is now getting ready for their debut at the Toyota Vios Cup in a few week’s time, followed by the Giti – Formula V1 Challenge that will begin in a month.

Jun Manas, Tow & Stow Industries Inc. President said: “This will be our first time to be part of something as big and exciting as the Vios Cup and Formula V1. The timing is perfect as we now have a solid portfolio of brands that includes Total Hitch, Total Trailers, and Thule. Motorsports is a great way for us to promote our products in a new setting, outside our store and we’re looking forward to a great season with our partner Growl Audio.”

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Time Attack Manila

Time Attack Manila

Founded in late 2013, Time Attack Manila (TAM) is the only dedicated online magazine in the Philippines that focuses on local and international motorsports.
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Time Attack Manila

Time Attack Manila

Founded in late 2013, Time Attack Manila (TAM) is the only dedicated online magazine in the Philippines that focuses on local and international motorsports.
View All Posts