The Vios Challenge has attracted over a dozen newcomers to the sport and has also drawn a host of top names from the Malaysian motor racing scene. These including Prince of Drift Tengku Djan,Malaysia Speed Festival (MSF) series veteran Boy Wong and former Malaysian Super Series (MSS) winner James Veerappan. UMW Toyota have stated that more familiar names are expected to be revealed when the official entry dateline closes in the middle of June. And by August, we are going to see a little bit more entry level racing here in Malaysia. Something sorely needed if motorsport is to continue growing over here.
It is quite interesting news in terms of grassroots racing here in Malaysia. Aside from the Malaysia Super series and the Proton Saga cup (which is filled with 1st generation Proton Sagas, a relic from the 1980s) there are not truly affordable race series for Malaysians to aspire to. Of course, the RM90,000 or thereabouts for a whole season of racing could actually be considered as affordable as it includes the car and other bits. Provided you don't crash often that is.
Now, motor racing hopefuls can race something based on a current production model rather than race something old. Of course, the playing field is almost equal as the cars are almost similar to one another aside from the fact that the lower entry price also attracts some seasoned veterans to the sport. So this is where that 1% here and that 2% there count, including driver skill and shall I dare to add, testicle size.
Now, motor racing hopefuls can race something based on a current production model rather than race something old. Of course, the playing field is almost equal as the cars are almost similar to one another aside from the fact that the lower entry price also attracts some seasoned veterans to the sport. So this is where that 1% here and that 2% there count, including driver skill and shall I dare to add, testicle size.
You can follow the developments of the Toyota GAZOO Racing (TGR) Racing Festival and the Vios Challenge on the Toyota GAZOO Racing Malaysia homepage, Facebook page or Instagram.
PRESS RELEASE
BIGGER FIELD FOR TOYOTA GAZOO RACING (TGR) VIOS
CHALLENGE
Shah Alam, 7 June 2017 - The inaugural Vios Challenge will now see an expanded field of
40 cars take to the starting grid when the Toyota GAZOO Racing (TGR) Racing Festival
kicks off the series in Penang this August.
Interest among motor racing enthusiasts and teams for the Vios Challenge rapidly escalated
as the series promised high-quality racing from its one-make formula run on purpose-built
street circuits.
Following the launch in April, the 30 cars announced were immediately assigned but due to
the numerous requests by eager racers, UMW Toyota Motor sought to add more cars to the
field. Following consultation with stakeholders and with the agreement of TRD, an additional
ten cars were allowed to be added.
“The interest in the Vios Challenge had been overwhelming,” said President of UMW Toyota
Motor Mr. Ravindran Kurusamy. “We’ve had so many requests by racers who wanted to
purchase a car and compete in the Vios Challenge but due to safety and logistics concerns,
we have had to restrict the field to a maximum of 40 cars for this season,” he said.
The inaugural season of the Vios Challenge has not only attracted over a dozen newcomers
to the sport, it has also drawn a host of top names from the motor racing scene to the
championship including Prince of Drift Tengku Djan, his nemesis in the Malaysia Speed
Festival (MSF) series Boy Wong and former Malaysian Super Series (MSS) winner James
Veerappan who have confirmed their participation. More big names are expected to be
revealed when entries for the Vios Challenge closes in the middle of June.
With the additional cars, the Vios Challenge will now feature 40 racers competing in different
categories. The race will be the headlining event at the Toyota GAZOO Racing (TGR)
Racing Festival where a carnival-like atmosphere will feature around the race weekend with
activities for the whole family.
Experiencing the race as a competitor himself, Deputy Chairman of UMW Toyota Motor
Mr. Akio Takeyama said that he was looking forward to the prospect of racing in the very first
Vios Challenge in Malaysia.
“I am very excited to be taking part in my first race in the Vios Challenge. I have been
working hard in the racing school and I have learned so much from my instructors. I can’t
wait for the race to begin.
I do hope that Malaysian motorsports fans will come to the TGR Racing Festivals and enjoy
all that we have planned. With the intense level of competition on the race track, the
carnival-like atmosphere, celebrity performances and all the fun-filled activities, I believe that
the TGR Racing Festival will be an event like we’ve never seen before,” added Mr.
Takeyama.
Fans can follow the developments of the Toyota GAZOO Racing (TGR) Racing Festival and
the Vios Challenge on the Toyota GAZOO Racing Malaysia homepage, FB page or
Instagram.
Ends.
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