Toyota GAZOO Racing GT Cup Malaysia will be crowing a brand new Racing GT Cup champion, marking the climax of a three-day event held at the Sunway Pyramid Mall Blue Concourse in Petaling Jaya. The exciting quarter-final shoot-out took place on Friday (18 Aug), with the spotlight on the top 20 racers who vied for supremacy. The intensity escalated as the semi-final stage unfolded on Saturday (19 Aug), ultimately determining the finest 10 racers poised to advance to the grand finale on Sunday (20 Aug).
The prestigious championship, previously recognized as the GR Velocity eSports Championship, made headlines not only for its high-octane races but also for the unprecedented prize money it offered. Totaling RM90,500, this impressive reward marked a significant milestone for UMW Toyota Motor Sdn Bhd, who introduced the event back in 2018. Over the years, the competition has managed to captivate the attention of thousands of simulator racers, garnering a staggering viewership of over 3 million and attracting a live audience of 40,000 spectators.
A standout attribute of the GR GT Cup Malaysia is its distinction as the sole eSports racing engagement involving a vehicle manufacturer in Malaysia. Toyota’s direct involvement in the promotion and nurturing of young racing talents through simulator racing underscores its dedication to fostering the development of emerging racing drivers.
Notable figures in the world of simulator racing, Taj Izrin Aiman Taj Madira, a two-time event champion, and Mior Muhammad Hafiz Mior Lahmudin, a consistent finalist since the championship’s inception, made their return for the grand finale. The top three victors of this event, as in previous editions, will earn the opportunity to represent Malaysia in the GR GT Cup Asia, where they will compete for a coveted seat in the World Finals.
The race weekend was further enriched by a captivating series of exhibition races featuring a blend of racers and celebrities in the GAZOO Racing Vios Challenge racing series. A lineup of well-known personalities, including former Promotional Class champion and actor Shukri Yahaya, actor Zizan Razak, and actress Ahirine Ahirudin, among others, added a touch of glamour to the track.
In the GR Vios Challenge, the spotlight shone on top contenders such as Prima Pearl TD Racing’s Tengku Djan Ley Tengku Mahaleel and Mitchell Cheah, Axle Sports’ Hayden Haikal, Naquib Azlan, and Nabil Azlan, as well as other prominent names who showcased their skills in the intense competition.
A novel addition to this year’s event was the participation of the fastest racers scouted from the GR GT Cup Malaysia Campus Tour. This initiative introduced the exciting realm of simulator racing to universities across Malaysia. Representatives from prestigious institutions like UiTM Shah Alam, INTI Subang, and Sunway University showcased their talents on this grand stage.
As the event reached its climax, members of the media also had a chance to shine in an exclusive race. In a bid to engage the public, a simulator time attack challenge was extended to them, alongside a demonstration booth featuring the highly anticipated Gran Turismo 7 and more, in collaboration with Gamers Hideout.
UMW Toyota Motor welcomed the public to take its latest generation vehicles for a spin in the test drive area, featuring models like the Vios, Yaris, and Corolla Cross Hybrid. Enthusiasts had the opportunity to explore a dedicated booth showcasing an array of GR merchandise.
For additional information, interested individuals can visit Toyota’s official website at www.toyota.com.my/gtcupmalaysia, or connect through social media channels on Facebook at facebook.com/tgrmy, YouTube at youtube.com/tgrmalaysia, and Instagram at instagram.com/tgrmalaysia.
