The Season 7 Toyota GAZOO Racing Vios Challenge concludes with a thrilling finale at the Petronas Sepang International Circuit on December 5, 2025, where intense competition, heavy rainfall, and the narrow point gaps set the stage for a dramatic showdown. The battle for the overall championship will be decided in the final race tomorrow, with racers from the Super Sporting, Sporting, and Rookie Classes all vying for glory in a 20-lap, high-stakes race around the 5.543 km track. The top three overall winners in the two premier classes stand to take home a total of RM300,000 in prize money.
The season, which began in August 2024, consisted of three rounds with six races, offering a total of RM630,000 in prize money. Race winners across the three rounds earned a combined RM330,000, with RM80,000 for the Super Sporting Class champion, RM60,000 for the runner-up, and RM40,000 for third place. The Sporting Class offered prize money of RM60,000, RM40,000, and RM20,000 for the top three overall positions.
In the Super Sporting Class, professional driver Ady Rahimy from FIAJB Boulevard Racing secured his first victory of the season after a challenging start with the new Toyota Vios. Ady dominated Race 1, leading from pole position and finishing 1.2 seconds ahead of Telagamas Toyota’s Freddie Ang, with Axle Sports’ Naquib Azlan taking third. This victory came as a surprise, considering the team’s limited data with the new car. “We didn’t expect such a strong result,” Ady admitted, adding, “I gave it my best and hope for another good result in Race 2.”
The championship battle between Naquib Azlan and Prima Pearl TD Racing’s Mitchell Cheah intensified as Naquib conceded second place to Ang in the final corner of Race 1 to follow the team’s strategy. With their points so close, Naquib’s positioning in Race 2 could decide the title. “It’s neck and neck between Mitchell and me,” Naquib said, “I just need to maintain my position in Race 2.”
Meanwhile, in the Rookie Class, the top three qualifiers finished in the same order. Raja Amirul Syauqat secured his victory from pole position, followed by Brandon Ho and Adam Mikail, who finished second and third, respectively. 21-year-old Raja expressed his gratitude for the opportunity provided by Toyota’s Young Talent Development Program, stating that it helped him develop as a driver despite his lack of prior racing experience.
The Rookie Class overall champion will come down to a tight race between 22-year-old karter Ho and 18-year-old pro karter Adam. Ho noted the healthy competition with Adam, which pushed both of them to improve. Adam, who is eager for the title, added, “I want to win badly. Racing in the Vios Challenge has given me valuable exposure and helped me improve my skills.”
The Sporting Class race was delayed due to heavy rain but resumed behind the safety car for six laps. Nick THZ of Sokudo Racing took advantage of the conditions to lead the race from start to finish. It marked his first podium appearance after qualifying second fastest. “I focused on being consistent, especially in the rain,” Nick said after the win.
The season finale also saw the crowning of new champions. In the Super Sporting Class, Naquib Azlan claimed the overall championship, dethroning Mitchell Cheah, who finished second. Naquib’s third consecutive championship victory capped off a successful season. The race was marked by a dramatic twist, as Naquib retired from Race 2 and Cheah faced a 10-position penalty due to a sporting infringement. Laser Motor Racing’s Amer Harris won the race, followed by William Ho and Bradley Benedict in second and third.
In the Sporting Class, Kenneth Koh of PCM Group Racing claimed the title with a race victory that secured his promotion to the Super Sporting Class for Season 8. Koh, who has competed in every season of the Vios Challenge, expressed his excitement about the win and the challenges ahead in the new class. He won RM60,000 for his victory, while Shafiq Samsudin and Elson Lew finished second and third, respectively.
The Rookie Class champion, Adam Mikail, expressed immense pride in winning the title, especially given the fierce competition he faced throughout the season. The 18-year-old also thanked Toyota’s development program for providing him with the platform to grow as a driver.
The Toyota GAZOO Racing Vios Challenge continues to be Malaysia’s premier one-make racing series, showcasing driving talent and creating a level playing field with identically-prepared cars. With international participants joining in, Season 7 saw the series grow in prominence. Toyota’s commitment to Malaysian motorsports is evident, not only through the Vios Challenge but also the GR GT Cup simulator racing series and the Young Talent Development Program.
Season 7’s finale garnered over 5 million live viewers across UMW Toyota Motor’s social media platforms, and the action is set to continue in Season 8. Stay tuned for more updates at www.toyota.com.my/en/tgrmalaysia.
