It were the usual suspects fighting at the front of Toyota Gazoo Racing (TGR) Vios Cup when it staged its 2nd event of the year last September 8/9 at the Clark International Speedway (CIS). However, the championship has been turned on its head after a number of title contenders had less than ideas results, with one missing out on a day’s worth of running completely.
This has blown the title fight wide open in the Super Sporting, Sporting, and Promotional Classes after Round 2.
Despite a DNF, Red Diwa of JBT Racing x Toyota Isabela has shot up to the top of the Super Sporting Class standings with his race win and podium. But only 4 points now separate the Top 4 drivers with John Dizon of JD Motorsports – Ribbon Arc, Joaquin ‘Wakkeen’ Garrido of Toyota North EDSA – Obengers, and Gerald Loy of R Racing Team hot on his heels.
Russel Cabrera of Toyota Team Cebu further stretches his points lead in the Sporting Class after another strong weekend ahead of Maila Alivia of JBT Racing x Toyota Isabela who keeps her position in 2nd. Meanwhile, Mikey Jordan, Jay Lao, Jiro Garbes, and his dad Darrel all moved up the standings after Bern Corpino of Toyota Balintawak – Obengers Racing opted to miss Saturday’s proceedings as the schedule clashed with the Rok GP Super Karting Series’ season finale. But it was all worth it after Bern secured the Senior Class title on his first attempt.
Toyota Team Cebu also leads the way in the Promotional Class with Jarond Mesina. His lead, however, has been halved after an unfortunate DNS on Saturday due to a broken driveshaft on Saturday. Alain Alonza of Toyota Gen San – Chooks-To-Go Racing is still his closest rival in 2nd, while Toyota Team Cebu x Edgesport teammate Paolo Ayo maintains his position in 3rd.
The 3rd and final round of the 2023 TGR Vios Cup will take place on the 10th/11th of November and will feature a new twist to spice up the championship. Instead of the usual 3 races, news from the grapevine indicates that the weekend will feature 2 sprints events and an endurance, which will be a first in the TGR Vios Cup’s history. No details have been released yet, but it should be either a 1- or 2-hour race complete with fuel stops and tire changes.
[Photo by Matt Romualdez]
