New Vios racers in
SIX new Malaysian celebrities and two teenagers have graduated from the six-day Vios Challenge Racing School for the upcoming second race-season of the Toyota Vios Challenge.
The new graduates for this season are singers Aiman Tino, Khai Bahar, Nabila Razali, Wany Hasrita, Akim Ahmad and comedian Nabil Ahmad.
The newcomers will be joining the likes of last season’s Diana Danielle and Janna Nick who had also completed a refresher course.
Last season’s Promotional Class defending champion Shawn Lee and fellow class competitor Syukri Yahaya have been upgraded to Sporting Class and will be joined by 14-year-olds and former karting team mates Mohamed Hayden Mohamad Haikal and Oscar Ng Kok Tung.
The Toyota Vios Challenge will anchor the Toyota Gazoo Racing Festival organised by UMW Toyota Motor and features some 40 identically race-prepared vehicles competing in three classifications: Promotional Class, Sporting Class and Super Sporting Class (for elite and professional race drivers).
The racing cars are also prepared under the supervision by Toyota Racing Development (TRD) Japan, with the race run to regulations governed by the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) and the Automobile Association of Malaysia (AAM).
While the cars take after the base model Toyota Vios 1.5, it is fitted with a full roll-cage as well as other racing parts including aerodynamics, suspension, exhaust, brakes, clutch, limited slip differential and tyres.
The season opener for the race series will take place at Sultan Mizan Zainal Abidin Stadium in Kuala Terengganu and kicks off at 9am from Aug 3 to 4. Entrance is free.
From Kuala Terengganu, the festival will move to the Malaysia Agro Exposition Park Serdang (MAEPS) in Serdang, Selangor from Oct 19 to 21 before relocating to the Batu Kawan Stadium in Penang from Feb 22 to 24 (2019) and finally landing at the Sepang International Circuit from April 12 to 14 (2019) for the season finale.
“The first season of the Toyota Gazoo Racing Festival and the running of the Toyota Vios Challenge have been absolutely phenomenal from both a promotional and commercial perspective,” said UMW Toyota Motor president Ravindran K.
The Toyota Gazoo Racing Festival will have many activities including Toyota’s latest vehicle showcase, stage games, promotional activities, lucky draws and a Superfans Signing Session for a chance to mingle with celebrities.