Vios race reaches climax
THE inaugural Toyota Vios Challenge season which ended on a high in Technology Park Malaysia (TPM), Kuala Lumpur last month, is poised for a second season later this year.
The focal point of the grassroots racing is some 40 identically-built Toyota Vios race in three classifications namely Sporting, Super Sporting and Promotional.
The challenge is an integral part of the Toyota Gazoo Racing (TGR) racing festival where celebrity appearances, stage games, drift performances and car displays create a carnival-like atmosphere for an exciting weekend family outing.
“We wanted everyone to appreciate motor racing in a fun yet safe environment and to make it a weekend outing for the whole family. Judging from the happy expressions of the crowds at each venue, I believe we have successfully brought an appealing event to everyone,” said UMW Toyota Motor president Ravindran K.
Aside from TPM, earlier rounds of the event were held in Batu Kawan, Penang; MAEPS, Serdang and Medini City, Johor.
Attendance at each venue has averaged over 21,000 spectators per weekend, making it one of the most popular local motorsport events in recent history.
The drivers in the Promotional class in particular may have brought their star appeal to the event, but their on-track performances have been nothing short of impressive.
Shukri Yahaya for instance, may be better known for his roles in blockbuster TV dramas, but it was drift-driver Tengku Djan in the Super Sporting class who managed to keep motor racing aficionados on the edge of their seats each time he took to the track.
Djan’s on-track antics and amazing car control was a sight to behold although the hard-charging William Ho made him work very hard for the title.
“This was our hope when we brought the concept to Malaysia. We wanted to expose motor racing to new participants and allow them to build on their own abilities; making them better racers and better drivers on the road,” said UMW Toyota deputy chairman Akio Takeyama.
Despite not having any racing background, Takeyama’s experience at the end of the season has made him a true competitor.