On-track action ensues in 2019 Toyota Vios Racing Festival Circuit Championship Round 1

To those avid Vios Cup fans wondering why there’s no Super Sporting Class, TMP explains that the Circuit Championship is like a clean slate, meaning everything skill level-wise is back to square 1. In order for the Super Sporting Class to be established come next year, those racing in Bridgestone Sporting Class must prove their mettle this season.

Race 1 (Friday, June 7)

The opening round of the 2019 Toyota Vios Racing Festival Circuit Championship went off on a high note. With all drivers still adjusting themselves to the new Vios race machine, everyone was in a weird “known, yet unknown territory” of sort. After 12 laps around CIS though, everyone was getting the hang of things as evidenced by the results.

In Celebrity Class, Daniel Matsunaga crossed the line in 1^st place, followed by Aubrey Miles in 2^nd and Gretchen Ho in 3^rd. On the other hand, team Obengers dominated the Promotional Class with 3 of its 5 racers stepping atop the podium. These were Francis Adriano (Obengers/Toyota San Jose del Monte), Julian Tang (Obengers/Toyota Otis), and lady driver Elysse Menorca (Obengers/Toyota North EDSA) completing the race in that order.

Up in Bridgestone Sporting Class, another Obengers ace driver in the form of John Dizon (Obengers/Toyota Marilao) took home 1^st. In 2^nd was Gel Napat (Biskeg/Toyota Dagupan), while following closely in 3^rd was Red Diwa (Growl Thule Racing).

Race 2 (Saturday, June 8)

The following day saw 2 of the remaining races for Round 1 being held. Right before lunch time, the green flag was waved, signaling the start of Race 2. A bit of drama ensued as early as race start as Gel Napat lost control and hit the wall right before turn 1. Thankfully, no one was hurt, including Gel himself who later rejoined the race to finish 7, all thanks to the quick work of his team Biskeg/Toyota Dagupan.

The 12-lap race had numerous instances of dicing between drivers. When the dust settled, it was Troy Montero who won 1^st place in Celebrity Class. Behind him was Gretchen Ho in 2^nd and Daniel Matsunaga in 3^rd. In Promotional Class, Francis Adriano maintained his strong pace from yesterday, thus earning him yet another 1^st place. Coming in 2^nd was Julian Neri (Toyota Cebu). Lastly in 3^rd was Fabio Ide who finally moved up from his Celebrity Racer status to compete in a tougher playing field this season.

Meanwhile in Bridgestone Sporting Class, Eggy Ong (JBT Racing/Toyota San Fernando) clinched 1^st place, followed by Red Diwa in 2^nd and Lord Seno (Toyota Cebu) in 3^rd.

Race 3

Later in the afternoon, the 3^rd and final race of Round 1 went underway. Everything went smoothly from start to finish, albeit the expected dashing and dicing. Troy Montero secured another 1^st place victory in Celebrity Class. Sharing the podium were Gretchen Ho in 2^nd and Aubrey Miles in 3^rd. In Promotional Class, Julian Tang, Elysse Menorca, and Francis Adriano finished the race in that order.

Finally in Bridgestone Sporting Class, the top 3 winners were Lord Seno, John Dizon, and Gel Napat who claimed 1^st, 2^nd, and 3^rd places, respectively.

Autocross Challenge Round 2

The 2^nd leg of the Autocross Challenge was also held that day in-between Race2 and 3 of the Circuit Championship, the results of which are as follows.

Media Class

• Jose Altoveros (Autoindustriya) – 1^st (00:53.05)
• Jeff Soberon (MP Turbo) – 2^nd (00:54.05)
• Matt Mallari (STV) – 3^rd (00:55.15)

Influencer Class

• Vince Vandorpe – 1^st (00:54.49)
• Phytos Ramirez – 2^nd (00:56.83)
• Reph Bangsil 3^rd (00:57.06)

Car Club Class

• Carlos Iňigo Anton – 1^st (00:49.99)
• Mickie Carbonel – 2^nd (00:52.65)
• Alexis Lavapie – 3^rd (00:53.02)

Catch the action again next time for the 2019 Toyota Vios Racing Festival Round 2. We’ll keep you posted on the details soon. The 2019 Toyota Vios Racing Festival is made possible by Toyota Motor Philippines, Toyota Gazoo racing, and TRD (Toyota Racing Development), with Bridgestone Philippines and Petron Corporation as official tire provider and fuel partner, respectively. Also making thing happen is Tuason Racing, along with other key sponsors 3M, AVT, Brembo, Denso, Motul, OMP, and Rota Wheels.

Photos: Randolph de Leon