Toyota Gazoo Racing is back for its 3rd season and we have a couple of new faces that join the fun this time around. Late last month, it was revealed that Syafiq Kyle and Ain Edruce will both debut in this year’s Promotional class.
Now the two young celebrities have completed their month-long intense training session and are ready for Round 1 of TGR Festival Season 3.
About Round 1 Season 3
Season 3 of the Toyota Gazoo Racing Festival will kick-off in the Sultan Mizan Zainal Abidin Stadium in Kuala Terengganu. This goes on for two days (6-7 September 2019) on a 1.65km street circuit that has been constructed there.
More information from the press release.
PRESS RELEASE
A total of 10 local celebrities will line-up for the Promotional category with actress Diana Danielle returning as the defending champion and for her third consecutive season of racing. Others competing include actor Shukri Yahaya, beat-boxer Shawn Lee, actress Janna Nick, presenter Nabil Ahmad, singer Khai Bahar, singer Nabila Razali, and singer Wany Hasrita.
“It has been an Incredible experience and I learnt a lot in the training session from understanding the proper racing lines, identifying my braking points, being in the proper gear in corners , how to defend my racing line to how to remain calm and mentally focused driving under pressure,” said 28-year-old Ain.
“I never realized that there is so much science to motor racing. Racing is much more than just the ability to drive fast but it requires in depth understanding of momentum, acceleration, deceleration, balance and handling of a vehicle. Being consistent and precise is the key to setting a quick pace around the track.”
The actress, model and presenter said she has also acclimatized well to the new Vios, describing the race car as being very perceptive in terms of handling and stable at high speeds. Competitors in all three classes of racing will drive identical Toyota Vios race cars in a one-make format that emphasizes on driving skills and experience instead of any modifications to the vehicle.
“My confidence increases every time I drive it (the Vios) and it’s great that everyone will be competing on a level playing field.”
Meanwhile, 27-year-old actor Syafiq Kyle hardly feels intimidated with the competition but will approach his first race on a street circuit cautiously.
“I am well prepared for the challenge ahead but I believe the most challenging aspect of the race will be competing on a street circuit. This is something I will need to approach cautiously considering all of my training was conducted on a proper racing circuit where it is more forgiving to make mistakes. On a street circuit, there is no room for mistake – one hit against the concrete barrier and you’re out of the race.
“The strategy for the season will be to keep calm, drive consistently but competitively, attack when the opportunity arises, avoiding the concrete barriers, and try to finish every race with valuable championship points. In order to finish first, one must first finish, and in motor racing, anything can happen before you take the chequered flag,” said the former Hero Remaja 2011/12 finalist and Gol & Gincu actor.
For motorsports fans and spectators in Kuala Terengganu, the excitement of the TGR Festival is not confined to the action and drama on the track, but includes the display and test drive of Toyota’s fleet of new vehicles, a drift performance by Japanese drifters courtesy of Toyo Tires, a racing simulator challenge, stage games and celebrity performances, promotional activities, lucky draws, the sale of merchandises, and a Superfans Signing Session for a chance to mingle with the celebrities racing in the Promotional class.
The TGR Festival and Toyota Vios Challenge kicks off from 9am on Friday 6 September 2019 to Saturday 7 September 2019, and entrance is free!
