Armed with determination, a fresh set of driving skills and a certificate of competency from Toyota Racing Development (TRD) Japan,the 24 motor racing neophytes who graduated from the Vios Challenge Racing School are now eagerly looking to unleash their talent at the inaugural Vios Challenge race this August 12th and 13th.
Having completed a compulsory introductory course where professional trainers imparted such fundamentals as race and safety protocols, advanced car handling techniques and maintaining proper race driving lines, the students have been prepared with the necessary tools for a safe and competitive race series once the Vios Challenge takes to the tracks in Batu Kawan, Penang on August 12th and 13th .
Among the graduates who received their scrolls from President of UMW Toyota Motor Ravindran Kurusamy were the eight celebrity drivers including actors Fattah Amin, Diana Danielle, Shukri Yahaya and Janna Nick, singers Geraldine Gan and Danny Koo, blogger and model Venice Min and beatboxer Shawn Lee. Also receiving his scroll was Deputy Chairman of UMW Toyota Motor Akio Takeyama who will join the celebrities in the Promotional Category of the Vios Challenge.
Selected by virtue of its sporty and dynamic character, the Toyota Vios 1.5J received accolades from the students and professional drivers alike as they found the dynamic and balanced character of the car fun and easy to drive at speed.
To create a level racing platform that will be safer for all drivers and to provide spectators with high quality races, the Vios Challenge will feature three racing classes where ten of those with a successful racing record will be moved into the elite Super Sporting Category while the Sporting Category will feature 17 racers and the remaining ten in the Promotional Category. Each category will have two heats with points being awarded for top positions in each heat.
The course on the specially-designed 1.65km racing circuit in Batu Kawan is shaped somewhat like a racing steering wheel and will run in a clockwise direction. It features nine turns with the longest straight a shade over 156m in length, ensuring that qualifying will be a keenly-contested session.
The Vios Challenge will be the headlining event at the Toyota GAZOO Racing (TGR) Racing Festival that kicks off with the first event on 12th and 13th August at the Batu Kawan Stadium in Penang. The Festival which is open to members of the public for free will host a myriad of activities including drift shows, celebrity performances, food trucks, test drives, and a special showcase of the upcoming C-HR.
Race fans can follow the developments and the latest information about the Vios Challenge by visiting the homepage Toyota GAZOO Racing Malaysia or liking the Facebook page.
Fans can also check out the latest promotions for Toyota models at any Toyota showroom throughout the country. From the month of July, there’s even a buy and win promotion where the lucky winner can stand a chance to win a trip to the Tokyo Motor Show.
