The final round of the 2025 Toyota Gazoo Racing Philippine Cup (Toyota GR Cup) wrapped up in spectacular fashion, sealing a milestone moment in local motorsport. More than just crowning new champions, the season finale also marked the debut of the Tamaraw Cup circuit and drag exhibitions—set to become a staple in future Toyota GR Cup weekends.
Held last August 9 at the 4.2-kilometer Clark International Speedway (CIS) in Pampanga, the event drew hundreds of fans both trackside and online, with plenty of interactive activities keeping the crowd engaged throughout the weekend.
One of the biggest highlights was the introduction of the Tamaraw Cup. Race-prepped Toyota Tamaraw pickups, driven by past Vios Cup champions Allan Uy, Daniel Miranda, Estefano Rivera, John Dizon, and GR development driver Aaron Guevara, took on both circuit and drag racing formats. The spectacle not only proved the Tamaraw’s racing potential but also cemented the Tamaraw Cup as an official race class in next year’s Toyota GR Cup.
Alongside these exhibitions, the championship battles reached their climax. Here’s how the final weekend played out:
Race 1
In the Super Sporting Class, Iñigo Anton of Obengers Racing-Toyota Balintawak secured 1st place, followed by Toyota Isabela’s Red Diwa in 2nd and Toyota Team Cebu-Standard Insurance’s Russel Cabrera in 3rd.
Raymond Cudala and Mike Santos of R Racing-Toyota Dagupan Group-MADkart dominated the Sporting Class, finishing 1st and 2nd, with Toyota Gazoo Racing Philippines’ Jamil Lacuna taking 3rd.
In the Novice Class, Toyota Gazoo Racing Philippines’ Luis Moreno led the way, ahead of TMP President Masando Hashimoto in 2nd and Reph Bangsil in 3rd. Meanwhile, the Legacy Class saw Julian Colvin of Toyota Gazoo Racing Philippines fend off Oliver Aquino of Tech7 Project and Paolo Ang of R Racing-Toyota Dagupan Group-MADkart for the win.
Race 2
Michael Bryan Co of R Racing-Toyota Dagupan Group-MADkart claimed victory in the Super Sporting Class, with Toyota Isabela teammates Maila Alivia and Red Diwa rounding out the podium.
This time in the Sporting Class, Jamil Lacuna took the top step, with Obengers Racing-Toyota Balintawak’s Jesse Garcia in 2nd and Darrel Garbes of Inbox Racing-Toyota San Fernando in 3rd.
The Novice Class saw Luis Moreno clinch another win, followed by John Rey San Diego and Reph Bangsil. In the Legacy Class, Oliver Aquino reversed his Race 1 result to take 1st ahead of Julian Colvin, while Paolo Ang once again settled for 3rd.
Endurance Race
The 1.5-hour Endurance Race added another layer of excitement. Alain Gabriel Alzona of Toyota General Santos-Motul Infiniteserv Racing crossed the line first, with Michael Bryan Co in 2nd and Maila Alivia in 3rd.
Mike Santos and Jamil Lacuna finished 1st and 2nd, respectively, in their category, while Inbox Racing-Toyota San Fernando’s Jiro Garbes placed 3rd. In the Novice Class, TMP President Masando Hashimoto led Luis Moreno and John Rey San Diego to complete the top 3.
2025 Season Champions
The season’s best performers were officially recognized at the close of the event. Russel Cabrera was crowned Super Sporting Class champion, Jesse Garcia took the Sporting Class title, and Luis Moreno emerged as Novice Class champion. On the team side, Obengers Racing walked away with the 2025 Overall Team Championship.
A fitting end to a landmark season, the Toyota GR Cup leaves behind a stronger legacy and plenty to look forward to with the Tamaraw Cup entering the fray next year.
