Selepas menikmati jualan yang rancak, jualan bagi UMW Toyota Motor Sdn Bhd (UMWT) nampaknya telah stabil apabila syarikat tersebut mengakhiri Mac 2204 dengan jumlah jualan keseluruhan sebanyak 9,688 unit untuk model Toyota dan Lexus yang digabungkan. Ini termasuk 9,471 unit untuk Toyota dan 217 unit untuk Lexus, dengan jumlah jualan tahunan setakat Mac 2024 sebanyak 23,444 unit.
Angka ini menurun 7% dari 25,219 unit yang dijual pada tempoh yang sama pada tahun 2023, yang boleh diperuntukkan kepada keghairahan untuk mendaftar kereta sebelum pengecualian SST tamat, dan mungkin juga permintaan tertunda dari era pandemik.
UMW Toyota (UMWT) tidak mendedahkan jualan mengikut model jadi tidak dapat dipastikan model mana yang mendahului dalam jualan.
Dalam sektor komersial, UMWT telah meningkatkan piawai dengan pengenalan van panel Toyota HiAce 3.0L yang baru. Dikuasakan oleh enjin turbo-diesel 3.0 liter, van baru ini menawarkan 136PS dan 300Nm untuk pengangkutan kargo tanpa usaha.
Mengiringi itu adalah Toyota HiAce Super Long Wheelbase (SLWB) yang baru, yang menjanjikan peningkatan yang signifikan dalam saiz untuk ruang dalaman yang lebih luas, menawarkan keselesaan yang tiada tandingan untuk penumpang dan kargo. Dilengkapi dengan enjin turbo-diesel 2.7 liter yang kuat, HiAce SLWB menjanjikan prestasi yang kukuh dengan 177 PS dan 450 Nm tork.
After enjoying a bull run, sales for UMW Toyota Motor Sdn Bhd (UMWT) seems to have stabilised as the company ended March 2204 with total sales of 9,688 units for Toyota and Lexus models combined. This comprises 9,471 units for Toyota and 217 units for Lexus and a total year-to-date sales as of March 2024 of 23,444.
This figure is down from the 25,219 units sold in the same period of 2023, which can be attributed to the rush to register cars before the SST exemption expired, and perhaps even the pent up demand from the post pandemic era.
UMW Toyota (UMWT) does not reveal sales by model so there is no telling which model took the lead in sales.
Complementing that is the new Toyota HiAce Super Long Wheelbase (SLWB), which boasts significant size enhancements for increased interior space, offering unparalleled comfort for passengers and cargo. Equipped with a powerful 2.7-litre turbo-diesel engine, the HiAce SLWB promises robust performance with 177 PS and 450 Nm of torque.
Sebagai tindak balas kepada pendedahan terkini mengenai ketidaknormalan ujian keselamatan di Daihatsu Motor Co Ltd (DMC), anak syarikat Toyota, UMW Toyota Motor (UMWT), pemain utama dalam pasaran automotif Malaysia, menekankan komitmennya terhadap ketelusan dan tanggungjawab. Ketidaknormalan ujian keselamatan, seperti yang ditekankan oleh Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC), telah memberi impak kepada tiga model Toyota yang diedarkan oleh UMWT di Malaysia.
Datuk Ravindran K., Presiden UMW Toyota Motor, memberi jaminan kepada pelanggan dan orang ramai bahawa syarikat ini berazam untuk mengekalkan piawaian dan kualiti tertinggi dalam kenderaan-kenderaannya. Pernyataan ini menegaskan pendekatan proaktif UMWT dalam menangani situasi ini, bekerjasama rapat dengan pihak berkuasa kawal selia untuk memastikan penyelesaian yang pantas dan telus.
Komitmennya untuk memberikan kenderaan berkualiti tinggi kepada pasaran Malaysia tetap menjadi keutamaan utama UMWT. Syarikat ini mengakui kepentingan kepercayaan dan bertujuan untuk mengukuhkan keyakinan pelanggan terhadap produk-produknya. Kerjasama berterusan dengan pihak berkuasa kawal selia mencerminkan komitmen UMWT untuk mematuhi peraturan dan undang-undang yang relevan, memastikan pematuhan yang ketat terhadap semua kenderaan di Malaysia.
Datuk Ravindran K. lebih menekankan fokus syarikat terhadap kepuasan pelanggan, memberi jaminan kepada orang ramai bahawa usaha sedang dijalankan untuk membetulkan situasi ini dengan cepat dan telus. Dengan memberikan keutamaan kepada ketelusan dan tanggungjawab, UMW Toyota Motor bertujuan untuk menavigasi situasi mencabar ini sambil mengekalkan komitmennya untuk memberikan kenderaan yang boleh dipercayai dan selamat kepada pelanggan di Malaysia.
UMW Toyota Motor (UMWT) has officially unveiled the much-anticipated all-new Toyota Alphard and Vellfire models, setting a new benchmark for advanced features and providing a sophisticated and technologically advanced travel experience.
The Toyota Alphard and Vellfire have raised the bar in the competitive MPV segment by offering a plethora of cutting-edge features that distinguish them from the competition. From seamlessly integrated state-of-the-art technology to spacious and versatile interiors, these models redefine the driving experience. The introduction of turbocharging paired with a new gearbox has resulted in a significant boost in torque and power, promising an exhilarating and engaging performance for drivers.
Both models strike a perfect balance between efficiency and elegance. Advanced engineering, including the all-new 2.4L 16-valve DOHC with turbocharger and intercooler, ensures top-notch performance without compromising on luxury for the Alphard and makes 274hp and 430Nm of torque. The Toyota Vellfire, in particular, boasts enhanced performance output with the Front Performance Brace, improved handling, and impeccable stability. An existing 2.5-litre, four-cylinder 2AR-FE engine with 179hp and 235Nm of torque powers the Vellfire.
Stepping into the interior cabin of the Alphard and Vellfire is akin to experiencing a private jet. The combination of leather and woodgrain finishes, along with two fixed Panoramic Glass Roofs that flood the cabin with natural light, creates an atmosphere of opulence. The driver’s cockpit is thoughtfully designed for easy access to mechanical switches and controls. First-row passengers, both front and rear, can indulge in the comfort of Seat Heater and Ventilation features. The Alphard Executive Lounge takes luxury a step further, featuring an exclusive massage function in the rear first-row seats.
Equipped with advanced Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 technology, which includes enhanced Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, Lane Departure Alert, Road Sign Assist, and Adaptive High-beam System, safety remains a top priority without compromising the luxurious experience.
Both models are available in four exquisite colors: Platinum White Pearl, Precious Metal, Precious Leo-Blond (exclusive to the Alphard), and Black. To ensure peace of mind and freedom of mobility, the All-New Alphard and Vellfire come with a full 5-year warranty. UMWT serves as the exclusive distributor with official sales and service, offering trusted service and parts guarantees.
With over 74 Sales Service dealers nationwide, premium end-to-end servicing is assured, with dedicated body and paint centres also available. The Toyota Alphard 2.4T Executive Lounge is priced at RM 538,000 without insurance, while the Toyota Vellfire 2.5 is available at RM 438,000 without insurance.
UMW Toyota Motor maintained its market dominance in June, earning remarkable sales figures of 8,559 units for Toyota and 110 units for Lexus. Toyota and Lexus combined total sales for June 2023 reached 8,669 units, exceeding the 8,004 units reported in May 2023.
Year-to-date sales for June 2023 have shown excellent growth, with a total of 48,659 units sold. This result indicates a strong 6.0% increase over the 45,911 units sold year to date in June 2022.
Another major highlight for the month of June was the unveiling of the highly anticipated all-new Toyota Innova Zenix, featuring both Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV) and Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) models. This introduction was a big step forward in the company’s persistent commitment to carbon-neutrality and sustainability.
The popular Innova line, which was initially one of the models created under the Innovative International Multi-Purpose Vehicle (IMV) programme, is enhanced by the brand-new Toyota Innova Zenix, an all-new MPV.
The designers abandoned the previous IMV strategy used for the Innova in favour of a completely new design that is still part of the Innova family but bears the moniker “Zenix” to differentiate it as the flagship model.
It will be available in two versions:
Innova Zenix 2.0 V (8-seater) with a 2-litre Dynamic Force petrol engine and CVT
Innova Zenix 2.0 HEV (7-seater) with a Toyota Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV) drivetrain
Exterior
The all-new Zenix is more spacious although its dimensions are not much different from the previous model – the Innova CG. The new Innova Zenix offers 20 mm more length and 15 mm more width, 100 mm extra length in the wheelbase, and a similar overall height.
Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC) has made a global commitment to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050, in support the Paris Agreement. As its products are sold in 204 countries and regions around the world, its affiliates also support the commitment in various ways to reduce CO2 (carbon dioxide) emissions to an industry-leading level.
In Malaysia, apart from various initiatives that promote practical and sustainable reduction in CO2 emissions, UMW Toyota Motor Sdn. Bhd. (UMWT) and UMW Holdings Berhad (UMW) also carry out other activities. A recent example was a tree planting programme hosted by the Malaysian Nature Society at the Kuala Selangor Nature Park. The programme is part of UMW’s Green Shoots Initiative (UGS) in conjunction with the National 100 million Tree-Planting Campaign 2020-2025 which has the theme “Greening Malaysia: Our Trees, Our Life”.
The event was led by Faraed Mohd Sharif, Director of Customer First Group together with UMWT management, UMW CSR team, UMWT staff and students from Politeknik Sultan Idris Shah, Sungai Lang. Together, they planted 1,500 mangrove saplings of the Bakau Kurap or Rhizophora Mucronata species within the mangrove swamp forest.
The 80 participants were taken on an ecology walk through parts of the 296-hectare wide Kuala Selangor Nature Park to learn about the importance of mangroves to the environment and coastal communities. They were also exposed to a seedling and germination demonstration, while learning about the four families of mangroves and 13 different species of mangrove trees.
Greenhouse gas emissions like CO2 are a major cause of climate change issues and a typical passenger vehicle emits about 4.6 metric tonnes of CO2 per year. Mangrove forests can help mitigate the effects of climate change as they act as huge carbon sinks which are able to sequester two to four times more carbon than mature rainforests, in addition to helping shore up our coastlines and reduce the impact of severe flooding while supporting the biodiversity of the area.
Recognising this, UMW and UMWT have planted close to 40,000 trees to date with almost 50% being mangrove trees, in their journey towards offsetting CO2 emissions and realising their Zero Carbon goals by committing to planting some 300,000 trees over the next two years.
“Our initiatives contribute to climate resilience while cementing Toyota’s global commitment towards achieving carbon neutrality by 2050 through activities that offset CO2 emissions. We have also integrated the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals as part of our operations as a guideline to help us reach carbon neutrality,” said Encik Faraed. “Moving forward, we are focused on providing ‘Mobility For All’, by supporting the creation of more independent, safe and eco-friendly mobility solutions in line with Toyota’s local mass manufacturing plans towards a ‘Clean, Safe and Secure Society.”
Solar panels at the ASSB factory in Selangor are used to provide electricity for operations.
Hybrid electric vehicle technology in the Toyota Corolla Cross is one approach to achieving carbon neutrality which is practical for Malaysia.
“UMW Toyota Motor will continue our active participation with sustainable tree planting activities in two more locations this year as part of the UMW Green Shoots Initiative to inspire more environmental conservation and restoration works within communities as we take steps toward investing in nature-based solutions for carbon sequestration,” he added.
UMWT places high priority on environmental conservation, hence, the company sets a target to achieve CO2 reduction from logistics activities and its assembly facility, as guided by the Toyota environmental action plan, through the installation of 2MW solar panels. The introduction of locally-assembled models with hybrid electric vehicle technology is another initiative towards carbon neutrality.
Toyota Eco Youth Programme has been helping develop strong eco-values and leadership skills among secondary school students since 2001.
The company’s environmental CSR efforts include its Toyota Eco Youth Programme, a collaboration between UMWT and the Ministry of Education that has been run annually since 2001. Through this program, the future generation of youths in secondary schools can develop strong eco-values and leadership skills.
Up till the 1980s, Malaysian motorsports saw a regular flow of youngsters keen on racing or rallying. It was a natural progression in the sport as new blood would periodically be introduced and develop their skills, often with guidance from the veterans. However, as the cost of cars and racing became more expensive, new blood was slow in coming and while Malaysia could boast of being a host country for Formula 1, little was done to really help at grassroots level to develop future generations of racing drivers.
This situation was noticed by UMW Toyota Motor which had started the Vios Challenge as a one-makes series to draw newcomers to the sport. As a further step, the company, together with GAZOO Racing, started a Young Talent Development Program in 2020. It was not exactly the best time to start it, given the uncertainties of the COVID-19 pandemic then. But the program got started and the rookies received training, while adhering to the SOPs specified by the Health Ministry.
The first batch of rookies (front row) in the GAZOO Racing Young Talent Development Program which began in 2020.
Since then, two groups have graduated from the program and it has proven to have a profound impact with several of its rookie drivers quickly rising to be noticed in the top ranks of Malaysian motorsports.
Naquib Azlan, a graduate of the GAZOO Racing Young Talent Development Program, came from a background in sim racing and has done remarkably well in real-world racing in the Vios Challenge.
In Round 2 of the GAZOO Racing Vios Sprint Cup over the weekend, 16-year-old Putera Adam raced to a double race win, with his partner and veteran racer Eddie Liew in the #61 Laser Motor Racing Vios. The weekend also saw sterling performances by Naquib Azlan and Mika Hakimi, also from the first batch like Putera Adam. Both Putra and Naquib also went on to score podium finishes in the Malaysia Championship Series (MCS) also held over the weekend. Others from the program who competed included the current season’s Rookie Class drivers Nabil Azlan and Sharique Zulqarinain, and 2021 Rookie Class graduate Jwan Hii.
“It’s incredible to see how much and how quickly these young drivers have evolved. We are equally proud that many have also gone on to compete and are enjoying success in other events beyond the Vios Challenge and Vios Sprint Cup one-make series where they have trained so hard to develop their driving and racecraft,” said UMW Toyota Motor President. Ravindran K.
Commenting on the GAZOO Racing Vios Sprint Cup, he said: “The two-driver and one-hour format has brought a different dimension to what we and the drivers have been used to in 5 seasons of the Vios Challenge one-make race. It’s exciting to watch… it’s unpredictable… and it fulfils one very important objective that is to have elite and experienced working alongside amateur and young drivers with the hope that they will be able to impart their knowledge to the next generation of drivers.”
Held in conjunction with the Malaysia Championship Series, the GAZOO Racing Vios Sprint Cup consisted of 2 rounds with 4 individual races. It was only open to Toyota Vios cars prepared to specific regulations and each car had to have two drivers. The total prize money amounted to RM60,000 for the weekend.
The GAZOO Racing Vios Sprint Cup is run independently of the Vios Challenge but retains the format of a one-make series whereby competitors drive identical race-prepared Toyota Vios with stock standard engine and transmission, as well as suspension, tyres and fuel. This means that the emphasis is on racecraft, driving skills and experience rather than being just a ‘power game’ where the team with a lot of financial resources can develop a powerful car.
In the fourth and final running of the GAZOO Racing Sprint Cup, Putera and Liew rounded up a perfect weekend in rather precarious conditions with back-to-back victories. The race began with no rain, unlike the day before, although there was an overcast sky around the Sepang International Circuit. As race got underway, it began to drizzle which made track conditions extremely slippery and unpredictable in certain sections.
The race was essentially 18-year-old Mika’s to win, having taken over driving duties from his teammate Tengku Djan Ley in the #61 Prima Pearl TD Racing Vios, with Liew pouncing hard just 0half a second behind, and Toyotsu Racing’s William Ho in third place.
Heavy rain descended on the race with just 2 laps remaining, and the pressure to defend his lead seemed to have gotten the better of Mika who aquaplaned off the track. This allowed Liew, Ho and Prima Pearl TD Racing’s second car, the #12 with Mitchell Cheah, through. Mika fought his way back on to the track rejoining in fourth position but made a second and same mistake on the final lap in the very same corner to eventually finish fifth behind Telagamas Toyota’s Freddie Ang.
The last lap of the race had been equally nerve-wrecking for Liew who, in the heavy rain, had to fend off Ho who was left dragging his rear bumper for several laps after a botched overtaking manoeuvre much earlier.
“Today I really utilized all my experience to drive in the dry, wet and then heavy rain. It was a difficult race,” said 48-year-old Liew. For Putera who started the race for the pair, a slow getaway dropped him to as far back as 10th despite starting from sixth position. Commenting on his partnership with Liew and the vast difference in age, Putera said: “It’s an honour to drive with Eddie. He’s a very good driver and he used to drive with my dad.”
The second day of the Toyota GAZOO Racing Festival (TGR Racing Festival) saw an even larger crowd turning up to watch the second half of Round 2 of the Vios Challenge one-make series. After not having had a chance to be at the trackside for the past two years (due to the COVID-19 pandemic restrictions), thousands of fans and spectators turned up at the Sepang Circuit today to enjoy the sights and sounds of what has come to be called the ‘People’s Race’.
To start off the day, the early arrivals – including families with children – had a chance to get onto the circuit for an ‘All Wheel Fest’. In some of the past TGR Racing Festival events, there have been runs around the track on Sunday mornings but this time, it was on wheels…. any kind of wheels. There were bicycles, push scooters, roller blades, skateboards and some still chose to use their own two legs. This was followed by a Zumba session to heighten the energy.
Following the official ceremony to mark the TGR Racing Festival, with all the racing cars and participants on the starting grid, spectators were able to do a grid walkabout to see the various teams preparing their cars and to meet the drivers.
Super Sporting Class
After a procession around the course, which uses half the Sepang International Circuit, it was time for the serious activities to start – the racing, with the Super Sporting Class for veteran and professional drivers. As the cars started to line up, rain came down and as it was quite heavy, the Race Director decided to delay the start of the 20-lap race for 25 minutes.
It then got underway but with the Safety Car (a Toyota Camry) at the front. Under racing regulations, when the Safety Car is ahead, racing is suspended and the cars must maintain their positions in a convoy behind. They followed the Safety Car around for 2 laps and then, with the rain having ended, the Safety Car pulled in and off shot the racers on the wet track.
M7 Japan Project Team’s Mohammed Fariqe Hairuman, an experienced international racer, made the best of his pole position to lead the fiercely-contested front pack. No less than 6 drivers were on his tail and after 2 laps, Mohammed Fariqe lost his lead to Axle Motorsport’s Hayden Haikal with Laser Motor Racing’s Mark Darwin in tow.
With the lead exchanging hands between the two drivers several times over the next 10 laps, there was lots of excitement to keep spectators on their feet as they waited to see which car would come round the turn in the lead. But they did not know that Prima Pearl TD Racing’s Tengku Djan was the fastest driver going round on almost every lap. Gradually, he moved up from the 12th position he had started from to shoot past both Darwin and Hayden, winning the race by 1.5 seconds.
“It was a very difficult race for sure, especially with so many of us fighting to get ahead of the pack. For wet driving, what is important is the finesse and to have a good understanding of the track conditions. Sepang is a very challenging track… the conditions can vary so much and the racing lines that we normally take can be extremely slippery therefore forcing a driver to explore new racing lines to get around the corner,” said Tengku Djan.
Having missed the first 2 races of the season due to COVID-19 and then bad luck with an incident in the early stages of the race yesterday, Tengku Djan will only have 3 more races remaining in Season 5 to keep his overall Super Sporting Class title which he has won 3 times.
“I have to be optimistic. When I missed Round 1, I knew it will be difficult to contend for the championship. But I have team mate Mitchell Cheah and therefore I’m definitely going to be working with him to make sure he has a fair chance at the championship,” he said.
The two important vehicles in motorsport – the Safety Car (above) which was the latest Toyota Camry, and the Medical Car (below), which was a Toyota Fortuner.
Rookie Class
In the Rookie Class, Muhammad Hamdany took his first ever race victory to retain his sterling record of 4 podium finishes in 4 races so far. The 19-year-old karter from Kuching finished ahead of simulator racer Nabil Azlan, and the only female driver in the Vios Challenge series, Adele Lew who came in third.
“I was so worried before the start and I changed the set-up of the car which included readjusting tyre pressures (due to the rain). I’m extremely happy everything worked out well and I was able to finish in P1,” said Muhammad Hamdany.
For Adele, the third-place finish marked her first ever podium finish. The 20-year old would have received much coaching and encouragement from her father, Eddie Lew, who is one of the veteran drivers in the Super Sporting Class.
“I’m extremely happy with my first podium. It was a wet race and this was also my first ever experience racing in these conditions. I had to do some defending at the start of the race but I managed to steer clear of any incidents and maintained my position for 14 laps,” said Adele, who is in the GAZOO Racing Young Talent Development Program.
Sporting Class
The Sporting Class for amateur drivers also provided the spectators with a lot of excitement, Axle Motorsport’s Naquib Azlan ( a graduate of the GAZOO Racing Young Talent Development Program) concluded a perfect race weekend with 2 race wins. Finishing second and perhaps the biggest surprise of the weekend was 23 Motors’ Abdul Miqail, followed by M7 Japan Project Team’s Ahmad Tarmimi Tahang.
Starting from sixth position on the grid following a reverse grid format after yesterday’s victory, Naquib was on a very determined charge from the startline, taking control of the race lead and building a 5-second gap from as early as the third lap of the 20-lap race.
“I’m very happy with how this weekend went. I came in with very high expectations this weekend, wanting to rectify the mistakes of Round 1 and thankfully I was able to rectify that with two wins,” said Naquib, who gained part of his racing skill on simulators. “It was however, never going to be straight forward, because carrying a weight penalty of 35-kg meant it would be difficult especially starting sixth. It then became a matter of how to get pass everyone else and fortunately, Abdul Miqail and I were able to do this quite quickly in the first lap. Overall, I am really happy and the competition was super tough,” he added.
Ahmad Tarmimi was also the biggest gainer, climbing from ninth to third place, but the highlight of the race was certainly the performance by 16-year-old Abdul Miqail who also finished on the podium twice in two races this weekend. “I am very grateful to have been able to do my best for the team and in the process improved on my own driving. It was a good weekend,” he said.
Standing in the sun and rain, the Marshalls are also an important part of every race. They ensure that the drivers are warned of any dangers and signal important messages with their flags.
Promotional Class
The Promotional Class, which is only for the celebrities, has always been a favourite of spectators, many of whom are fans of the celebrities. Though a few of them have racing experience, all received special training to prepare them for the events.
They are proficient drivers and have learnt the fundamentals of racing but still provide lots of drama on the track. Today’s race had predictions of actors Zizan Razak and Shukri Yahaya easily winning the 18-lap race as they had done yesterday. Being the race favourite, Zizan was eyeing a second race win and had held on to the lead for much of the race until a technical issue with his transmission forced him to concede 5 places with 3 laps left to go.
Shukri was the first to take full advantage of his misfortune, but would later suffer a similar fate which promoted television host Nabil Ahmad to race leader. And with 2 laps to go, singer Wany Hasrita and actress Janna Nick pushed past Zizan and Shukri to move into second and third positions, respectively.
Finishing fourth was singer Nabila Razali, while Shukri and Zizan crossed the line in fifth and sixth positions, respectively. TV personality Ahirine Ahirudin actually posted quick laps times but could only manage seventh place ahead of TV host Ain Edruce. Singer Khai Bahar had a disappointing race weekend as he never made it to the finish line.
“This is my first podium finish in two seasons. I started from pole position and sitting there waiting for the green starting lights to come on, I prayed for good race. It was indeed a very good race and I am extremely thankful, despite facing numerous challenges on the track from going off the track, accidentally hitting and being hit by others,” said an elated Janna.
Nevertheless when the racing was over, it was time for a different type of high-energy performance – a live concert. Popular Indonesian singer Judika was on stage as a special treat for fans, along with local rock group Bunkface (on Saturday). Throughout the weekend, there were many different activities to keep everyone occupied and having a good time.
“We would like to thank all the spectators and fans who came to the TGR Racing Festival. The enthusiasm and the level of excitement we witnessed has certainly motivated us to now begin planning for a more exciting Round 3 and Season 5 finale for them in September,” said UMW Toyota Motor President Ravindran K.
After 2 years of having the event restricted only to participants due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Toyota GAZOO Racing Festival (TGR Racing Festival) returns this weekend with all the excitement and fun that visitors have enjoyed since starting in 2017. For now, UMW Toyota Motor and GAZOO Racing Malaysia seem to be using only the Sepang International Circuit whereas, in the past, purpose-built ‘street circuits’ were created in Penang and Kuala Terengganu. Perhaps rounds outside the Klang Valley will resume in the next season when, hopefully, the situation allows for less restrictions.
The TGR Racing Festival this weekend incorporates Round 2 of the Vios Challenge one-make series and as with other rounds, there are two races – on Saturday and Sunday. Over 5 years, the number of participants has greatly expanded, achieving one aim of having the series which is to draw new blood into motorsport. By making it more accessible and also with the support of Toyota dealers who have formed teams, many young racers now have an opportunity to develop their skills and go further.
Mohammed Fariqe Hairuman of the M7 Japan Project Team, joining the Vios Challenge for the first time, likes the format of the TGR Racing Festival. The international touring car driver sees the one-make format and presence of the Rookie and Sporting Classes for young and new drivers as being a game-changer.
““This is the best thing about the Vios Challenge. It is a series that requires minimal cost to participate in compared to other racing series in Malaysia whereby a sizeable investment goes into building a competitive car. With a one-make format, this cost is significantly reduced making it accessible to more enthusiasts,” he said.
“For newcomers – like someone who is transitioning from karting – the Vios Challenge is an ideal platform to start. For the same individual to compete in another series, it will definitely come down to a money game because it is expensive,” he added.
Laser Motor Racing and Super Sporting Class driver Mark Darwin also commended the TGR Festival’s concept of bringing racing to the people and in growing motorsports awareness in Malaysia. “The biggest difference with the Toyota GAZOO Racing Festival/Vios Challenge series is that, in the past, it was we (as racers) who have to go to the crowd instead of having the crowd come to see the races. It has never been as easy task to bring spectators to a racing track, but the concept of a festival has certainly been able to attract them,” said Darwin.
The Vios Challenge has 4 classes – the Super Sporting Class for the veteran and professional drivers; the Sporting Class for amateur racers; the Promotional Class for the celebrities to race against each other; and the Rookie Class which, this year, has the second batch of graduates from GAZOO Racing Young Talent Development Program.
The program offers training to develop promising young Malaysians and they also get Vios racing cars to use. The talent that GAZOO Racing Malaysia looks out for are those keen to transition from karting and sim-racing to saloon car racing. The students are aged between 14 and 20, and they undergo intensive training both on and off the track under the close guidance of instructors at the GAZOO Racing School.
In today’s first race of Round 2, the 20-lap Super Sporting Class was dominated by Prima Pearl TD Racing Team’s Mitchell Cheah. He was in control from pole position to taking the chequered flag , just 2.1 seconds ahead of Laser Motor Racing’s Mark Darwin. Freddie Ang from Telagamas Toyota followed in third position.
The first lap of the race unfolded in dramatic fashion when a racing incident quickly eliminated Laser Motor Racing’s Eddie Lew and Prima Pearl TD Racing Team’s Tengku Djan Ley – both strong contenders for the top three positions. The incident behind gave Cheah and Darwin a clear path ahead, opening a gap of more than 10 seconds, while Ang had to fight his way pass Axle Motorsports’ Hayden Haikal from sixth position for a well-deserved third place.
“Conditions were extremely difficult today with the heat. I was just focused on the task in hand and to do my best to avoid making any mistakes. To be honest, that was quite difficult to do with Darwin putting me under tremendous pressure,” said Cheah, whose race win marks his second visit to the podium in 3 races so far this season.
In the Sporting Class, also 20 laps long in hot and sunny conditions, the race was red-flagged after the very first lap due to an incident involving 3 cars. The race was then suspended for 15 minutes before being restarted. But the outcome of the race remained unchanged for the top three, with Axle Motorsports’ Naquib Azlan claiming victory, 2.3 seconds ahead of S&D Tama Motorsports’ Tom Goh, while 23 Motor’s Abdul Miqail claimed a commendable third place after passing Crestmax Motorsport’s Bradley Benedict Anthony in the very last lap.
“First of all, I’m glad that all the drivers were safe and uninjured in the incident. For me, it was a case of being thankful at the restart as the race was cut shorter than expected and I didn’t have to defend as much,” said Naquib, a graduate of the Young Talent Development Program.
The battle of the young drivers in the Rookie Class saw Nabil Azlan (Naquib’s brother) charging to his second race win of the season. His closest rival was Muizz Musyaffa who stuck with him all the way to the finish line, taking second position, and Muhammad Hamdany rounding up the top three. It was also Muizz and Hamdany’s second and third visit to the podium, respectively.
“It wasn’t the easiest race for me with Muizz on my tail. It was very tough, and I just had to maintain a good pace. The heat was also very hard on the tyres this afternoon and that required me to constantly change my braking point into the corners,” said Nabil.
The Promotional Class for celebrities, always popular with spectators (many of whom are fans of the celebrities), saw actor Zizan Razak easily take the win after 18 laps. His steady pace kept him 12 seconds ahead of host and television presenter Nabil Ahmad, while host Ahirine Ahirudin finished third.
The race also began in dramatic fashion when pole position man and actor Shukri Yahaya jumped the start and was later disqualified. Unsure of what to do next, Shukri slowed down and allowed the rest of the grid to pass him before clawing his way back up to finish the race in second position.
“I felt a bit disoriented to be honest. After jumpstarting the race, I became unsure of what to do next and I began slowing down to let everyone else pass and restart my race from the back of the field. I felt that that was the most honourable thing to do, and I later began to chase the drivers in front of me one car at a time. I did not realize that I had already been disqualified. It was purely my mistake and I hope to make amends in Race 2,” admitted Shukri.
Stage performances by the celebrities are an added attraction.
He may be too young to drive but he’s certainly good on the skateboard!
Fans of celebrities always look forward to the ‘meet and greet’ sessions which are part of every TGR Racing Festival.
The second day of the TGR Racing Festival will see an All-Wheel Fest for non-motorized vehicles being held in the morning for bicycles, roller blades, skateboards, long boards, push bikes, and push scooters, to explore the Sepang International Circuit. There will also be a zumba session, a pump ramp and a skateboard competition as well as a skateboarding lesson for enthusiasts, and a concert by Indonesian singer Judika in the evening. So it’ll be worth an outing for all the family.
Car club owners had an opportunity to push their cars to the limits on the track during periods when there were no races running.
For those who can’t make it to the track, you can still catch Race 2 action and stage performances streamed live on the UMW Toyota Motor website at www.toyota.com.my and on the Face pages of Toyota Malaysia and Toyota GAZOO Racing Malaysia.
