Toyota continued its winning streak at Le Mans with another victory this weekend, its third successive one in the classic 24-hour endurance race. Kazuki Nakajima was at the wheel of the No. 8 Toyota GAZOO Racing TS050 HYBRID as team mates Sebastien Buemi and Brendon Hartley watched him take the chequered flag after 387 laps.
From No.7 to No.8
The early lead was maintained by Kamui Kobayashi, partnered by Mike Conway and Jose Maria Lopez, in the No. 7 Toyota. However, midway through the race, the car had a turbo problem and the No.8 car quickly moved to take over at the front.
Second overall was Rebellion Racing’s Gibson R-13 driven by the trio of Bruno Senna, Norman Nato and Gustavo Menezes. It was one of two cars from the Swiss team which shadowed the No.8 Toyota, waiting for the car to drop out which, of course, didn’t happen.
LMP1 and GTE winners
While Toyota won the LMP1 category, the LMP2 category was won by the United Autosports Team with an Oreca-Gibson crewed by Paul di Resta, Philip Hanson and Filipe Albuquerque. They finished fifth overall after the No.3 car of Rebellion Racing.
Aston Martin Racing won the FIA GT Manufacturers Championship as the No.97 Aston Martin Vantage AMR finished tops in the GTE Pro class and the #90 TF Sport Aston Martin Vantage AMR collect the trophy for the GTE Am class.
This year’s Le Mans race, the 88th edition since starting in 1923, is the last one before the new Hypercar era starts for the next season. Sadly, the spectator stands were empty as French authorities did not allow large crowds due the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
The 2019-2020 WEC season has one more round remaining which will be held in Bahrain on November 14.
Toyota’s GR Super Sport hypercar returned to its spiritual home this weekend to appear in public for the first time, as part of its ongoing development process, shortly before the start of the Le Mans 24 Hours. Based on the 2-time Le Mans-winning TS050 HYBRID racing car and covered in GR camouflage livery, the car completed a demonstration lap before arriving at a ceremony to return the Le Mans trophy for this year’s race.Besides the win at Le Mans, Toyota GAZOO Racing also won the Rally Turkey this weekend.
The Toyota 2000GT is a rare and legendary model in the company’s history. On sale between 1967 and 1970, it was Japan’s first supercar produced in collaboration with Yamaha. Only 351 units were made – two of which were used in the James Bond movie, ‘You Only Live Twice’.
The 2000GT had the latest Japanese technology of that period – a 2-litre DOHC straight six engine, 4-wheel double-wishbone suspension, 4-wheel disc brakes, radial tyres, magnesium alloy wheels, and retractable headlamps. It had a maximum speed of 220 kph, on a par with European sportscars of the day.
Prior to its launch, it was entered in speed trials and, despite bad weather conditions with an approaching typhoon, it set 3 world records (10,000 miles, 15,000 kms, 72 hours) and 13 international records. It also achieved wins and high placement in various races.
Priced at around US$7,000 when it was new, a 2000GT fetched almost US$1.2 million in 2013, making it the most expensive Asian car sold at that time. Clearly, it is a collectors’ car and owners around the world are taking care of this valuable historical asset.
Two units were modified into open-top versions specially for the James Bond movie, ‘You Only Live Twice’.
While the remaining cars are probably not driven much, some parts may still need replacement and after 50 years, original parts are obviously no longer produced. However, now Toyota GAZOO Racing has announced that it will reproduce some parts for the 2000GT under its GR Heritage Parts Project.
The transmission and differential-related parts for the 2000GT.
This project is an initiative that will reproduce spare parts that were no longer available, and sell them as genuine parts to owners of classic Toyota models. The first are for the Supra A70 and A80 models and now, the 2000GT.
The 2000GT, Japan’s first supercar in the 1960s, with the Lexus LFA, Toyota’s supercar of the 21st century. No convertible versions of the 2000GT were made at the factory so this is probably one of the two customised James Bond cars.
Efforts are underway at specially collaborating suppliers, along with Toyota plants and related divisions, to undertake production of the parts which are transmission and differential-related. They will be available through selected Toyota dealers worldwide and only to actual owners of the car who require them.
With the last race of the third season cancelled due to restrictions of the Movement Control Order, the Toyota Vios Challenge came to an early end. As 75% of the 8-round event had been run, this fulfilled the criteria consistent with best practices of other international motorsport events and in adherence to provisions stated in the technical and sporting regulations of the event.
Most lucrative race series
The Vios Challenge, part of the Toyota GAZOO Racing (TGR) Festival, has established itself as the most lucrative race series with more than half a million ringgit in total prize money so far. It is the only racing event in Malaysia to offer a challenging street circuit. While providing close competition for the experienced racers, it has also seen new blood coming into the sport.
One of the rounds of the third season of the TGR Toyota Vios Challenge.
Open to individuals, teams and Toyota dealers, the playing field is levelled as only 1.5-litre Toyota Vios cars qualify. These were cars prepared for racing with identical specifications that participants purchased. They received only parts that slightly increased performance and of course, were fitted with the required safety equipment in accordance with international motorsport regulations.
The Vios Challenge was therefore not about who could make the car more powerful or handle better – usually at extra cost – to get an advantage. It was more about driver skill and because the cars had identical engine outputs, the racing was close, which is what spectators like to see.
Participants use racing cars with identical engine performance, so it is more about driver skill.
“As a one-make series, the Toyota Vios Challenge is built on the foundation of providing competitors with a level playing field with emphasis on driving skills and experience. This series is not only engineered to make motor racing more affordable for individuals and teams, but to make the races very closely contested for the benefit of spectators,” said Akio Takeyama, Toyota GAZOO Racing Malaysia’s Chief Motorsports Officer and also Deputy Chairman of UMW Toyota Motor.
“The 6 races held in Season 3 were no exception and, despite the Series being abruptly cut short [due to the pandemic], I would like to congratulate every single driver who demonstrated a high level of competitiveness, racing skills and sportsmanship,” he said.
One of the venues of the third season was unique – the old TUDM airbase (now Bandar Malaysia) in Kuala Lumpur.
The champions of the third season
For the third and final round, the total prize money of RM360,000 was presented to the overall champions of the event. Tengku Djan Ley Tengku Mahaleel was the overall champion of the Super Sporting class for professional drivers – his second successive title – while 16-year-old Hayden Haikal – the youngest ever competitor in the series – was the overall champion in the Sporting class for amateur drivers. Each driver took RM100,000 for their fine performance.
Overall winners of the Sporting Class with Tengku Dhan in the middle. Presenting the prizes were Akio Takeyama, TGR Malaysia’s Chief Motorsports Officer (left) and Mohd Shamsor Mohd Zain, Director of Marketing (right).
Mark Darwin of Laser Motor Racing and Freddie Ang of Telagamas Toyota finished the series in second and third places, respectively, in the Super Sporting Class. Another teenager, 18-year-old Bradley Benedict Anthony, drove to an impressive debut in the series to finish ahead of third place winner Haji Sutan Mustaffa, both winning RM50,000 and RM30,000, respectively.
16-year-old Hayden Haikal – the youngest ever competitor in the series – was overall champion in the Sporting class.
In the Promotional Class for celebrity racers, musician and TV personality Shawn Lee had 3 wins over the season and was clearly the most dominant driver as he too secured his second ever overall championship in three seasons of competing. He finished ahead of actor Shukri Yahaya and TV personality Nabil Ahmad who came in third overall.
Champion Shawn Lee (centre) and the other two overall winners in the Promotional Class.
“Toyota GAZOO Racing, via the Toyota Vios Challenge, remains committed to underlining the company’s three key objectives: to contribute towards elevating Malaysian motorsports with the introduction of an affordable and competitive one-make series; bringing motorsports to the masses by pioneering the concept of racing on street circuits; and successfully demonstrating the performance, reliability and durability of its vehicle to perform under extreme conditions,” said UMW Toyota Motor’s President, Ravindran K.
“We’ll be back…”
Mr. Takeyama added that TGR Malaysia is now planning for a fourth season, while watching the improving situation regarding the pandemic. “We will be back bigger than before,” he promised.
UPDATE: The first round will be on April 24/25 (Friday/Saturday)
Since 2018, UMW Toyota Motor has been extending its involvement in eSports as a complementary activity to its Toyota GAZOO Racing (TGR) Racing Festival and Vios One-Make Race events. In fact, it was the first Malaysian car company to be associated with eSports when it sponsored the Toyota Velocity Esports Championship which saw over 400 participants. The second season of the championship last September saw 650 participants.
Now with the Movement Control Order (MCO) restricting much of the Malaysian population to their homes, the company has come up with something that will excite racing simulator gamers and those who are the ‘best of the best’ can even win cash prizes.
One of the participants in the the ToyotaGAZOO Racing Velocity ESports Championship which had its finals last year at Pavilion Kuala Lumpur.
RM7,500 total prize money
UMWT has announced an online challenge the Toyota GAZOO Racing Malaysia Online Challenge which starts off this tomorrow (Friday, April 24, 2020). This is a virtual time-attack challenge which will have 5 rounds between April 24 and May 22, 2020.
The 5 fastest racers in each round will win prizes ranging from RM500 to RM100, with the total prize money for the entire tournament amounting to RM7,500.
Entry is free by registering online and open to any Malaysian resident 6 years old or older. Those who want to participate must have a PlayStation4 console (and the relevant accessories, of course) and a copy of ‘Gran Turismo Sport’. They must have, either unlocked or purchased, the GR Supra RZ ’19, Toyota TS050 Hybrid, Lexus Au TOM’S RCF, Toyota GT86 Group B Rally or Supra Racing Concept which are the cars required.
The GR Supra RZ, one of the racing cars used in the TGR Online Challenge.
Players are only allowed to join each Round once to set their best time. The time they set will determine their position and when they enter the next round, there will be a ‘Time Handicap’ imposed on all Top 5 Winners of each round to make it more interesting and challenging throughout the Online Challenge. The Time Handicap will range from 2.5 seconds to 0.5 second.
Production of the previous generation of the Toyota Supra ended in 2002 and a follow-up generation did not appear till the launch of the GR Supra in 2019. Enthusiasts were naturally sad when Toyota had announced that Supra production would end, with no indication of whether it could be resumed.
All the units that were still on the road and still in good running condition were obviously cared for, with aftersales support continuing from Toyota dealers. Though it is not known how long Toyota continued to produce replacements parts for the earlier Supra models, some companies will do so for up to 10 years after last production of a model.
Well, it has been 17 years since the Supra (the A80 generation) was last produced so the carmaker would unlikely be making replacement parts. There would be other companies which may make certain parts but these would not be the same as Toyota Genuine Parts which have assured quality.
Replacement parts for past two generations
Now Toyota has announced that it will reproduce replacement parts for the Supra A70 generation (produced between 1986 and 1983) as well as the A80 generation (1993 – 2002). The parts will be produced as a GR Heritage Parts Project and will be sold in Japan and selected overseas markets. Perhaps the GR Garage which is located at some Toyota dealerships in Malaysia will also offer (or at least take orders) for such parts.
At this time, the list of parts available are as follow: A70 Supra – propeller shaft, door handle, fuel sender gauge, weather strip, front emblem
A80 Supra – headlamps, door handle, brake booster
Headlamps and propeller shafts are among the parts planned for reproduction.
Toyota wants to hear from you too
Retail sales were original scheduled to start in 2020 but Toyota says this may be postponed to 2021 due to manufacturing reasons. In the meantime, the carmaker also invites requests and suggestions for parts to be reproduced. A page on the Toyota GAZOO Racing website has a form to submit the requests (click here to go to the page).
Total production numbers for the two Supra generations are hard to come by but in as far as sales in North America were concerned, over 100,000 units of the A79 generation and around 12,000 units of the A80 generation were sold. The smaller number for the A80 Supra reflected the diminished interest in sportscars, especially coupes, during the 1990s as SUV popularity grew. This trend also influenced other carmakers to cease sportscar production as the numbers became economically unviable.
Continuing to build up its high-performance GR range, Toyota GAZOO Racing (TGR) today unveiled the rally-inspired GR Yaris at the 2019 Tokyo Auto Salon. It is the second pure sportscar model to be launched for global markets by TGR, following last year’s return of the legendary Toyota GR Supra.
As well as serving as the official homologation model for development of the next Yaris WRC rallycar which will be entered in the World Rally Championship (WC), the GR Yaris is also available to customers for local rally events.
Sales of the GR Yaris start around mid-2020, and Toyota is now accepting online-only pre-orders (in Japan) for two special editions of the new model—the RZ First Edition and the RZ High-performance First Edition. Pre-orders will be accepted until June 30, 2020 (or for approximately 6 months). The price of the RZ First Edition is to be 3.96 million yen (equivalent to RM148,000) while the price of the RZ High-performance First Edition is to be 4.56 million yen (about RM170,000).
Presenting the GR Yaris at the 2020 Tokyo Auto Salon, GAZOO Racing President Shigeki Tomoyama said TGR is committed to using motorsport to refine its know-how and its personnel, with the aim of launching world-class production sportscars. “While the new GR Supra is a sportscar developed through track racing, the GR Yaris has been devised through our participation in rallies – something that many of our fans have been waiting for,” he said.
Akio Toyoda, President of Toyota Motor Corporation and Master Driver, added his personal view as well: “Toyota needs to get back a sportscar. I’ve always thought so.The 86 is my precious partner during rallies and races; Supra made a successful come back… but still, I have always wanted a sportscar purely made by Toyota. The reason we decided to come back to WRC was to build a sportscar by utilizing skills and technologies obtained through WRC. When we won the WRC Manufacturer’s title last year, I felt Toyota became recognized all over Europe, and that made me think that we must have a winning car to gain worldwide recognition as a true car manufacturer. This GR Yaris is the sportscar we made from scratch to win at world level,” said Akio Toyoda, President of Toyota Motor Corporation and Master Driver, at this morning’s launch.
A delighted Akio Toyoda (left) at the launch of the Toyota GR yaris this morning)
Heritage
Since rejoining the championship in 2017, Toyota won the Manufacturers’ Championship in 2018 and, with Ott Tanak, the Drivers’ Championship in 2019.
Toyota’s heritage in the WRC can be traced back to the 1970s when Toyota Team Europe entered the Corolla, scoring its first WRC win at the 1975 1000 Lakes Rally in Finland. Toyota was the first Japanese manufacturer to win the event.
The new GR Yaris is Toyota’s first genuine AWD sportscar and its first homologation model for WRC competition since the Celica GT-FOUR in 1999. Across two generations and three models, the Celica GT-FOUR featured in Toyota’s most successful WRC campaigns, a golden age of rallying that brought the company 30 rally victories, 4 Drivers’ Championship titles and one Manufacturers’ Championship. In a reference to its illustrious predecessor and its AWD technology, the GR Yaris features a GR-FOUR logo on its tailgate.
To acquire WRC homologation, the base model of a vehicle to be entered in FIA events must have a continuous 12-month production volume of 25,000 units or more. As a homologation model, the GR Yaris will support the development of a new competition car for the TGR World Rally Team’s ongoing participation in the WRC.
Development Priorities
The WRC-skilled team of designers and engineers at Tommi Makinen Racing focused on perfecting the aerodynamics, weight distribution and light weight of the new car – the three qualities essential to achieving the best performance and drivability.
A lower roofline improves the car’s ability to cut through the air, while positioning the new engine further back towards the centre of the car and locating the battery in the boot helped produce a better chassis balance for improved handling, stability and responsiveness. The new platform allows for a wider rear track with reinforcements beneath the side members to ensure the suspension’s performance potential can be realised.
The bodyshell is made from lightweight materials including carbonfibre polymer and aluminium for an impressive power-to-weight ratio. As a result, the GR Yaris has the power of a C-segment performance hatch but the weight of a B-segment machine (kerb weight 1,280 kgs). Its power-to-weight ratio of only 6.7 kgs per kilowatt helps deliver 0-100 km/h acceleration said to be less than 5.5 seconds and an electronically limited top speed of 230 km/h.
The all-new 1.6-litre engine
The GR Yaris engine is an all-new, 3-cylinder turbocharged unit with a displacement of 1618 cc. Drawing on motorsport technologies to maximise performance, it has multi-oil jet piston cooling, large-diameter exhaust valves and a part-machined intake port. It also features a single-scroll ball-bearing turbo and is mated to a 6-speed manual transmission, engineered to accommodate high torque levels.
The compact lightweight DOHC 12-valve engine produces a maximum 272 ps/370 Nm to achieving a strong power-to-weight ratio which was a key objective to help meet the GR Yaris’ performance targets.
GR-FOUR All-Wheel Drive System
The new GR-FOUR AWD system optimises drive power to each wheel while also being simple and lightweight. The distribution of torque between the front and rear axles is governed by a high-response coupling. The ingenious system uses slightly different gear ratios for the front and rear axles and allows for a theoretical range of front/rear torque balance from 100:0 (full front-wheel drive) to 0:100 (full rear-wheel drive).
This flexibility gives a performance advantage over AWD on-demand systems that use twin-coupling or permanent AWD systems with a centre differential. The GR FOUR system is also considerably lighter in weight.
The driver can adjust the system’s performance to suit their preference or the driving situation using an AWD mode dial switch. In each of the 3 modes available, the torque balance will automatically adjust in response to the driver’s inputs, vehicle behaviour and road or track conditions.
Dedicated Platform and Suspension
The GR Yaris has a new, dedicated platform that combines the front end of Toyota’s GA-B platform – debuting in the all-new Yaris in 2020 – with the rear of the GA-C platform. This allows for a new suspension design and accommodation of the AWD system. Where the standard new Yaris uses a torsion beam rear suspension, the GR Yaris has a double wishbone set-up, with every element optimised for performance. A MacPherson strut system is used at the front.
The First Editions
The RZ First Edition, based on the GR Yaris RZ grade, will have a customized front grille, front side diffusers, rear spoiler, and rear bumper all finished in matte black. The RZ High-performance First Edition, gets high-performance equipment to extend performance levels and included in the customized specifications are BBS forged aluminium wheels in matte black.
New GR Production Centre at Motomachi
Toyota has established a new production facility at its Motomachi factory with a line dedicated to manufacturing GR sportscars. As the volume of cars will not be as high as other Toyota models, the line employs new manufacturing methods to handle multi-type, small-volume production.
Instead of the traditional conveyor system, the body and assembly lines comprise several different cells connected by automatic guided vehicles. Production of each vehicle calls for a large number of manual processes, for which Toyota utilises a specialist team of skilled workers. The factory design and the talents of the workforce allow for high-precision assembly of highly rigid vehicle bodies to levels that are hard to achieve on standard production lines.
The new Toyota new GR Yaris made its first public appearance at the TOYOTA GAZOO Racing Festival held at the Fuji Speedway in Japan. This is the second model that will be added to the GR family – TOYOTA GAZOO Racing’s sportscar line-up – following the return of the legendary GR Supra.
TOYOTA GAZOO Racing (TGR) has been involved in Toyota’s global motorsports activities, developing machines that claimed 5 wins in the 2018 season and took the Manufacturer’s title and Driver’s and Co-driver’s title this year.
The new GR Yaris is said to incorporate all the technologies, knowledge, and experience learned from participation in the World Rally Championship. Akio Toyoda, Toyota’s President, using his TGR Master Driver nickname of ‘Morizo’ (which he uses when he enters races) was also involved in the car’s development – not just approving the budget as most presidents usually do but personally testing it and giving feedback to the engineers.
He recently performed the final test of the car, pushing it to its furthermost limits, and has pronounced it ready to be introduced to the world on January 10 at the Tokyo Auto Salon 2020.
Looks like the folks from Toyota Gazoo Racing Festival’s Toyota Vios Challenge are still pumped up with racing passion as they will be taking part in the Sepang 1000km Endurance Race (S1K) this weekend at the glorious Sepang International Circuit. (more…)
After joining TOYOTA GAZOO Racing, Fernando Alonso seems to be enjoying much better times than when he was racing in Formula 1. Recently, he achieved his first-ever rally raid podium with the team after a solid performance at the 2019 Al Ula-Neom Cross-Country Rally in Saudi Arabia.
In just their third rally raid competition together, Fernando and navigator, Marc Coma, took home the third-place trophy for the first time since the Spanish duo started their preparations towards the 2020 Dakar Rally just over 2 months ago.
The first 2 of 4 stages took place near the northwestern city of Al Ula which featured two loops of approximately 220 kms each day on mixed terrain of open desert, sand and stone strewn sections, and rocky paths. For Fernando and Marc, this event represented a new challenge of competing on unfamiliar terrain against a field of local rally raid specialists who had more experience.
Nevertheless, the Spanish duo brought their Toyota Hilux home in fourth place after the first stage after negotiating through the dust kicked up by frontrunners, trailing the leader by just 7 minutes 24 seconds. As their Hilux was brand new – only 20 kms on the clock – when they arrived in Saudi Arabia, Fernando elected to take a zero-risk approach during the opening stage by not pushing the vehicle too hard.
After a largely clean run on a route similar to that of the previous day and as they pushed to reduce the overall gap, they picked up a puncture towards the closing part of the stage which was made up of rocky paths. The pair lost approximately 2 minutes 30 seconds to replace the flat tyre, which resulted in an additional 7 minutes 35 seconds of deficit to the leader while maintaining a solid fourth place overall.
The final 2 stages of the event took place near the new city of Neom, on the coast of the Gulf of Aqaba and the Red Sea, approximately 460 kms northwest of Al Ula. This new and unfamiliar terrain and conditions included areas of tricky navigation which pushed competitors to their limits.
Despite the challenges, the duo showed strong pace over the course of the penultimate stage to bring their Hilux back home third-fastest overall and losing just 17 seconds to the leader after some 180 kms of high-speed driving.
They started the final day in third place overall following a late retirement overnight and securing the final podium spot with consistent pace throughout the day despite some time loss due to inaccurate road books and tricky navigation. Their split times showed excellent speed, a clear indication that they have already reached a highly competitive level in rally raid despite their relative lack of experience as they transition into new motorsport disciplines.
The 2019 Al Ula-Neom Cross-Country Rally is the last of 3 rally raid competitions for Fernando and Marc in their intensive training programme to prepare for the 2020 Dakar Rally. The Spanish pairing first entered what turned out to be an eventful Lichtenburg 400 in South Africa before tackling the formidable Rally of Morocco. They persevered through a wide variety of challenges and learnt invaluable lessons along the way.
With under two months to go before the Dakar Rally, Fernando and Marc will continue private testing before joining their TOYOTA GAZOO Racing teammates in Saudi Arabia in January 2020 for the Dakar Rally. Yes, you read that right – the next edition of the Dakar Rally will be held in Saudi Arabia which will be the third region used for the legendary event that started in 1979 as the Paris-Dakar Rally. In 2009, security concerns forced the organisers to stop using the route down West Africa and the event shifted to South America, but still retaining the ‘Dakar’ name.
The route of the 2020 Dakar Rally which will be held in Saudi Arabia for the first time since the legendary event began 40 years ago.
The Toyota Hilux is a global bestseller. To know more about the models available in Malaysia, visit www.toyota.com.my.
For Round 2 of the third season of the Toyota Gazoo Racing Festival and Toyota Vios Challenge racing series, the purpose-built circuit is in a unique location – the former Kuala Lumpur airport of the 1950s/1960s which became a RMAF airbase after Subang International Airport was opened. Following the closure of the airbase some years back, the 488-acre site was to be a huge commercial development known as Bandar Malaysia.
While construction works are underway, the 1.99-km long runway offered an opportunity for the organisers of the Toyota GAZOO Racing event to create a racetrack that is 1.7 kms long with exceptionally long straights.
Aerial view of the circuit for Round 2 at Bandar Malaysia in Kuala Lumpur. Jalan Sg. Besi over the SMART Tunnel is on the left side of the picture.
“As a street racing series, one of the most challenging tasks is to find a venue that is not only large enough to accommodate both the racing circuit and festival ground but more importantly, accessible and as close as we can to fans and spectators. These challenges however, also present us with the unique opportunity to explore venues never before used or envisioned as a racing circuit,” said UMW Toyota Motor’s Chief Motorsports Officer, Akio Takeyama. “In the case of Round 2, the former airport is as unique as it gets and the location as central as you can be in Kuala Lumpur.”
Circuit must meet international safety requirements
Construction of the circuit at Bandar Malaysia took approximately 3 weeks. This work involved transporting, positioning and interlocking hundreds of 4-tonne concrete blocks and debris fencing to form the inner and outer parameters of the track. The track must meet FIA (the Federation Internationale de l’Automobile) safety specifications.
Hundreds of 4-tonne concrete blocks must be positioned around the circuit to ensure that spectators are protected if the cars crash against the barriers.
“Street racing brings out the best in Malaysian racers. The absence of run-off areas makes it extremely unforgiving, more intimidating and even more difficult to master. It requires 110% concentration, focus and precision from the drivers. For spectators, a street race is even more exciting visually as they are able to be closer to the action,” said Mr. Takeyama who has been a participant in the Vios Challenge sine the first season.
In three seasons of the Toyota Vios Challenge series, the race has been held at various stadium and exhibition grounds in Terengganu, Johor, Penang and the Klang Valley, as well as at the Sepang International Circuit.
Emulating street races such as the historic annual Macau Grand Prix, the Toyota Vios Challenge is no less exciting. More importantly, Mr. Takeyama added, it provides drivers with a more challenging race, an even greater level playing field, the excitement on driving on a variety of tracks, and contributes to them honing their technical and driving skills.
Meanwhile, UMW Toyota Motor President, Ravindran K., said the prospect of transforming an airstrip into a full-blown racing track is a manifestation of both Toyota and its GAZOO Racing philosophy of breaking tradition and pushing the boundaries.
“Innovation is not only reflected in the vehicles we produce but it underlines the way we think and do things, and in the case of the Toyota GAZOO Racing Festival, it means turning the least expected venues into tracks to bring motor-racing closer to the masses,” said Mr. Ravindran.
2 days of close racing
Round 2 of the Toyota Vios Challenge will feature 2 days of racing with three driver categories as usual – Celebrity, Amateur and Professional. 10 local celebrities competing in the Promotional Class include Shawn Lee, Shukri Yahaya, Diana Danielle, Nabil Ahmad, Janna Nick, Khai Bahar, Wany Hasrita, Nabila Razali, Ain Edruce and Syafiq Kyle. Both Shawn and Wany will start with one race win each after winning the opening two races of Season 3 in Kuala Terengganu earlier.
Fans of celebrities get to meet them during breaks between races.
“Round 2 is going to be a very exciting because we will be competing on a new track. There’s really no way of preparing for it in terms of setting up the car until we get a chance to drive on the track during the official practice session and evaluate the surface condition and overall flow of the circuit. From what I gather so far, it’s going to be quite a fast track,” said Shawn.
Among the big names in Malaysian motorsports driving in both the Sporting and Super Sporting classes for amateur and professional drivers, respectively, include Season 1 and Season 2 Sporting champions Brendan Paul Anthony and Brendon Lim; Season 1 and Season 2 Super Sporting champions Tengku Djan Ley and Boy Wong; and experienced drivers like Kenny Lee, William Ho, Mark Darwin, Kenneth Koh, Sutan Mustafa and Syafiq Ali. The Sporting Class will also feature 15-year-old Hayden Haikal.
A totally new track to learn quickly
For Super Sporting Class driver Kenny Lee, the first practice session is critical to uncover much of the unknown. “I have never had the opportunity to visit Bandar Malaysia in the past and therefore I don’t know what the surface condition is like. The first thing everyone will be looking into is certainly the final track layout and finding the fastest racing line around the track. We’ll also have to carefully look at the surface conditions especially in the braking zones because you never know, some areas can be a bit bumpy, slippery or even dusty,” said Kenny.
Another aerial view of the circuit which has been laid out on the runway that aircraft used to land on. Note the exceptionally long straights but as every car will have the same performance levels, it will be driver skill and strategy that makes the difference, not power.
Tengku Djan Ley shares the same sentiment, saying drivers will in essence have only about 90 minutes throughout the race weekend to learn the new track. “We have a track walk on Thursday evening and the official practice starts on Friday, so essentially you only have a couple of laps to try and decipher the entire track and obtain enough information that will go into setting up the race car. Those who are able to do this will have an advantage,” he said.
“There’s really not much that can be done to the set-up apart from experimenting with different tyre pressures, suspension settings and alignment combinations, but these small changes do make a big difference on track,” he added.
For race fans and spectators, the Toyota GAZOO Racing Festival will offer a variety of activities for all the family. There will be Toyota’s fleet of vehicles (with test drive sessions available), a drift performance by professional Japanese drivers, a concert, beyblade tournament, racing simulators and the display of the all-new Toyota GR Supra.
Entrance is free of charge and the event is from 9 am to 6 pm on this Saturday and Sunday, November 9/10 2019.
