Toyota PH concludes inaugural Vios Racing Festival, Red Diwa crowned first ever champion

Race 1

And it all started last Friday, November 8 for Race 1 of the action-packed weekend. John Dizon and Marc Soong of team Obengers (representing Toyota Marilao and Toyota Balintawak, respectively) landed 1^st and 2^nd places, correspondingly. In 3^rd came Red Diwa who rounded off the Sporting Class podium.

Down in Promotional Class, Francis Adriano, who represents team Obengers and Toyota San Jose Del Monte, clinched 1^st place ahead of Darrel Garbes of team JBT Racing/Toyota San Fernando in 2^nd. In 3^rd was Obengers/Toyota Otis’ Julian Tang. Meanwhile in Celebrity Class, Troy Montero, Aubrey Miles, and Gretchen Ho crossed the line in that order.

Race 2

The next day, November 9, was the day everyone was waiting for as it’s the final day of the Vios Racing Festival for this year. After all the festivities of the opening program, the racers quickly suited up for what would become a hot 12-lap Race 2. In sporting Class, Lord Seno of Toyota Cebu bagged 1^st place, followed by Marc Soong in 2^nd and Gel Napat of team Biskeg/Toyota Dagupan in 3^rd.

In promotional Class, Francis Adriano and Darrel Garbes made a repeat performance of their Race 1 results. This time, however, Adrianno’s better half and teammate, lady driver Elysse Menorca of team Obengers/Toyota North EDSA managed to secure 3^rd. As for the Celebrity Class, the top three finishers were Troy Montero, Aubrey Miles, and Gerald Anderson.

Race 3

Later in the afternoon, all witnessed the action of the 3^rd and final race of the season. A bit of drama ensued as Marc Soong and teammate Francis Adriano figured in an accident in turn 1 of the opening lap. Both drivers were unharmed, but the same couldn’t be said for their cars as both machines were deemed not good for racing after the crash.

Most drivers were lucky to avoid the accident, but some came out with some damage on their rides. One of them is Jon Dizon, who would secure 1^st place in Sporting Class. Behind him were Red Diwa and Eggy Ong in 2^nd and 3^rd places, respectively. The end result also meant that Red Diwa mathematically won the coveted championship title against his closest rivals Dizon and Eggy Ong.

In Promotional Class, Julian Teng and Elysse Menorca went home with 1^st and 2^nd places, respectively, in he bag. On 3^rd was Ian Rosales of Toyota Cebu. Lastly in Celebrity Class, Troy Montero made it 3 for 3 by bagging another 1^st place win. He was joined on the podium by Daniel Gerald Anderson and Daniel Matusnaga.

Autocross Challenge

Also held in between and after the Circuit Championship races is the 4^th and final round of the Autocross Challenge consisting of media, influencers, and drivers from different car clubs.

In Media Class, winners were Anjo Perez (WheelsPH), Jose Altoveros (Autoindustriya), and Raymond Figurres (TopGearPH). IN the Infuencer Class, the top 3 fastest were Vince Vandorpe, Jun Sunga, and Reph Bangsil. Lastly in Car Club Class, the fastest drivers were Carlos Inigo Anton, Sean Kody Ng, and Mickie Carbonell.

Congratulations to all participants of the first Toyota Vios Racing Festival. See you next season.

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