The seventh season of the TGR Vios challenge is set to take place this weekend
The Toyota Gazoo Racing Vios Challenge, a one-make series renowned for its level playing field and thrilling competition, is set to conclude its seventh season this weekend. The series has earned a reputation for delivering heart-stopping action, with no clear favorites, and this season is no exception.
Three new overall champions could be crowned across the three categories: Super Sporting Class, Sporting Class, and Rookie Class, with several contenders still in the race. Season 7 has been particularly challenging and unpredictable, as the introduction of the new fourth-generation Vios required drivers to adapt to its unique handling characteristics.
Moreover, for the first time, competitors from Thailand, Singapore, and India joined the field, adding an exciting international element to the series. The finale will take place at the 5.543km Petronas Sepang International Circuit, behind closed doors but broadcast live on UMW Toyota Motor’s social media platforms.
The season, which began in August 2024, consists of three rounds and six races, offering a combined RM630,000 in prize money. The premier Super Sporting Class, which has been the most fiercely contested, sees five drivers mathematically in the running for the title.
Leading the charge are Naquib Azlan from Axle Sport, defending champion Mitchell Cheah of Prima Pearl TD Racing, and Freddie Ang from Telagamas Toyota. Two more contenders, Amer Harris of Laser Motor Racing and former champion Hayden Haikal of TD Racing, could still claim the crown with strong performances this weekend.
On top of that, Naquib Azlan, who is confident in his chances, aims to secure the Super Sporting title, the only championship that has eluded him after winning the Rookie Class in 2021 and the Sporting Class in 2022. “Mitchell is a strong competitor, but I believe my team and I can bring this championship home.” said Naquib, who has been preparing through simulator training and self-reflection.
In the Sporting Class, the title race remains wide open, with Elson Lew from BAE Racing by ES Young, Kenneth Koh of PCM Group Racing Team, and Shafiq Samsudin from Race Rally KL as the leading contenders. Lew’s back-to-back wins in Round 2 and Koh’s consistent podium finishes make them favorites, but the championship is still undecided.
What’s more, the top three finishers in this class will compete for RM60,000, RM40,000, and RM20,000 in prize money. The Rookie Class has been equally exciting, with 18-year-old Adam Mikail, a pro karter, leading the charge after three wins in four races. However, 22-year-old recreational karter Brandon Ho has been the most consistent, with four podium finishes to his name.
Raja Amirul Syauqat, a simulator racer, has shown improvement, with strong finishes in the last two races. Adam Mikail, confident in his chances, is focused on maintaining his fitness to secure the title. Ho, having recently competed in the Sepang 1000KM Endurance Race, is equally determined to push for the championship.
