Artistes rev up for 3rd season of race fest
Celebrities show off their driving skills as they return to the tracks for the Toyota Gazoo Racing festival, writes Tahir Alhamzah
DESPITE being teased as a “wall magnet” in the last season’s race, young singer Nabila Razali is thrilled that she will return for Season 3 of the Toyota Gazoo Racing (TGR) festival. Last April, the 26-year-old artiste ended up grazing the wall several times during the races, which earned her the moniker.
“I’m determined to improve this time around and I’m glad to be given this opportunity to prove my worth,” says Nabila, who first gained popularity after the release of her debut single Pematah
Hati, in 2017. She is also the singer of the song Vroom Vroom.
Asked if she has any safety concerns, she says the car and training provided by the Toyota team are good enough to make her feel safe.
Other celebrities who are returning to compete in the Promotional class in this season’s TGR are actor Shukri Yahaya, beat-boxer Shawn Lee, Nabil Ahmad, Khai Bahar, Wany Hasrita, Janna Nick and defending champion, actress Datin Diana Danielle.
Season 3 also welcomes two newcomers — actress and TV host Ain Edruce and heartthrob actor Syafiq Kyle.
For Shukri, taking part in this event is heaven-sent. “I’ve always loved motor sports but it is a costly affair. So, to be part of this festival is definitely something that I would not want to miss,” shares the 31-year-old whose latest TV drama series, Kerana Dia Manusia Biasa, is airing on TV3.
Shukri, who is an avid cyclist, is also planning a cycling trip in South Korea in October.
As for Nabil, who ended in fourth position overall in the promotional class in last season’s races, says that among the things he has learnt from this experience is to put his ego aside during a race. The 35-year-old comedian, actor and TV host says, “I was in several mishaps due to my inability to accept the fact that I’d been left behind by female drivers like (last year’s champion) Diana.”
But he adds the race has benefitted him in more ways than one — he has gained more knowledge on proper driving techniques. “Never mind that I didn’t win the last time. But this time I will... so watch out, Diana!”
AFFORDABLE RACING SERIES
UMW Toyota Motor Deputy Chairman Akio Takeyama will also be returning to compete in the series in his third straight consecutive season.
Season 3 will feature four rounds consisting of eight Toyota Vios Challenge One-Make Races organised on specially constructed street circuits and at Sepang International Circuit, with three classes of racing: Promotional class for local celebrities, and the Sporting and Super Sporting classes for amateur and professional racing drivers respectively.
Racing in Season 3 will not be confined to the track, and will move to the virtual realm with the continuation of the Gazoo Racing Velocity E-Sports series. First introduced last September, the competition attracted more than 400 participants locked in virtual wheel to wheel racing.
“Toyota has accomplished so much in motor-racing and we want to bring enthusiasts and customers closer to the brand and products by leveraging on its rich motorsports heritage,” says Takeyama. “The TGR Festival is never about just selling more cars but celebrating the success of Toyota and Gazoo Racing in global motorsports, from the Dakar Rally and World Rally Championship to the most recent victory in the 24 Hours of Le Mans, and translating these achievements to benefit the masses domestically.”
Bringing motorsports to the masses has not only been translated into organising the TGR Festival at specially constructed street circuits and away from a permanent racing circuit, for example, in places like Penang, Terengganu and Johor, but its one-make Vios racing format has also made it an affordable racing series for amateur and professional drivers.
Season 3 of the Toyota Gazoo Racing festival will kick off next month.
I’m determined to improve this time round... Nabila Razali