since 1976
since 1976
Suspense and on-track drama from start to finish provided the perfect backdrop for an exciting finale as Season 4 of the TOYOTA GAZOO Racing Festival and Vios Challenge racing series drew to a close with the crowning of four overall class champions.
Malaysia’s prince of drift and also TOYOTA GAZOO Racing Malaysia ambassador drove to his third overall championship title in the Super Sporting Class for elite drivers; Clement Yeo charged to his first ever overall title in the Sporting Class for amateur drivers; actor Shukri Yahaya finally clinched his first overall title in the Promotional Class after four seasons of racing; and young simulator racer Naquib Azlan was crowned the first ever overall champion in the Rookie Class.
The final race of the season at the Sepang International Circuit produced some of the year’s most intense battles on track as no less than three individuals were in close contention for the overall championship title in each of the four classes.
“We could not have asked for a more exciting finish to the season,” said TOYOTA GAZOO Racing Malaysia Chief Motorsports Officer Akio Takeyama.
“Faced with an incredibly challenging season as a result of the global pandemic, we are thankful that we were able to conclude the championship. The introduction of a night race also made the Vios Challenge even more unpredictable and quite a spectacle enjoyed by both drivers and spectators.
The finale was also attended by the honorable Minister of Youth & Sports Yang Berhormat Dato’ Seri Ahmad Faizal Bin Dato’ Azumu who took time off to meet with young drivers competing in the Rookie
Class and celebrities racing in the Promotional Class, as well as presented prizes to the overall champions.
YB Dato’ Seri Ahmad Faizal commended UMW Toyota Motor’s involvement in Malaysian motorsports, saying it amplified how corporate involvement can contribute significantly towards revitalizing and injecting greater excitement in the sport.
“This is an initiative that is being done independently of any Government support or financial assistance. While UMW Toyota Motor and the brand may have its own objectives to fulfill, it has successfully been able to do so while giving so much back to Malaysian motorsports. I’m not only referring to the racing that takes place on the track, but also in terms of giving the motorsports economy a big boost because events like these create both business and employment opportunities for those in the industry.”
Meanwhile, UMW Toyota Motor President Ravindran K. said the TOYOTA GAZOO Racing Festival and Vios Challenge is aimed at not only creating a series that is more affordable and accessible to the racing community, especially the younger generation of drivers, but setting out to bring as well as promote motorsports to the masses.
“The Vios Challenge has also become an attractive breeding ground for young racing talent due to its lower cost of entry and one-make format that is greatly centered on honing driving skills and race craft. And with 4 categories of racing, from celebrities to young drivers, and amateur gentlemen racers to elite professionals, the Vios Challenge showcases incredible talent on track for the delight of spectators. Throughout the 4 seasons, the event has successfully attracted more than 5 million spectators (both on-site and online) which I hope will contribute to growing local awareness, interest and especially greater appreciation for motorsports in Malaysia,” said Ravindran.
UMW Toyota Motor and TOYOTA GAZOO Racing Malaysia he added, remains committed to expand on these initiatives and he called on the support of all stakeholders to bringing Malaysian motorsports to a higher level.
For more information, kindly log on to www.toyota.com.my.
