Nabil Azlan Triumphs as Toyota GR Malaysia eRacing Championship Showcases the Nation’s Next Generation of Racers

The 2025 Toyota GR Malaysia eRacing Championship Grand Finals at Sunway University delivered a spectacle of speed, strategy, and skill, as Malaysia’s top simulator racers went head-to-head for glory and a share of the RM123,000 prize pool. The high-stakes finale, organised by UMW Toyota Motor (UMWT), not only crowned new champions but also underscored Toyota’s growing role in shaping the country’s motorsport future.

At the heart of the competition were two major divisions — the Pro Championship, featuring Malaysia’s elite sim racers, and the Campus Tour, a grassroots initiative that brings professional-grade simulators to universities nationwide in search of new talent.

After three electrifying Grand Final races, brothers Nabil and Naquib Azlan clinched first and second place respectively in the overall Pro Class Championship, while Taj Izrin Aiman secured third after successfully defending his GT title.

“The competition this year was incredibly tight — it all came down to race strategy and flawless execution,” said 26-year-old Taj, who, alongside runner-ups Iqbal Suji and Chong Kai Chang, will represent Malaysia at the Toyota GR Asia eSports GT Championship in Bangkok this November. The trio will take on competitors from Indonesia, Thailand, the Philippines, and Singapore, as Malaysia seeks to defend its regional title following Taj’s historic 2024 victory — when he became Malaysia’s first-ever Asia-level eRacing champion.

The 2025 edition of the championship introduced a multi-platform format featuring Assetto Corsa, RaceRoom, iRacing, and Gran Turismo 7, mirroring international eRacing standards. Each platform presented distinct handling characteristics and race conditions, challenging competitors to demonstrate adaptability and technical mastery.

With 35% of semi-finalists being new participants, the competition proved to be a breeding ground for fresh talent.

“This year’s format was tougher but incredibly rewarding,” said Pro Champion Nabil Azlan, who took home RM25,000. “Every platform tested a different skill set, from car control to racecraft. Sim racing has been instrumental in shaping who I am as a driver — it continues to push me to improve, both virtually and in real life.”

Having already built a name for himself in both digital and real-world motorsport, Nabil’s continued presence in eRacing demonstrates the seamless link between simulation and circuit — a philosophy Toyota has long championed.

The excitement extended beyond the professional stage through Toyota’s Campus Tour, which made stops at eight universities nationwide. The tour gave students hands-on experience with competitive simulators and a taste of professional racing. The top 10 fastest participants from each campus advanced to the Grand Finals, where Randy Goh from INTI Subang emerged victorious.

Adding a lighter touch to the weekend, a Media Exhibition Race brought together 10 first-time participants from various media outlets, swapping their keyboards for steering wheels. The fun, adrenaline-fueled race provided insight into the precision and skill required by pro sim racers — strengthening Toyota’s engagement with both the media and Malaysia’s motorsport community.

Since launching its motorsport initiatives in 2017, Toyota has been at the forefront of developing Malaysian racing talent through programs like the Toyota GR Malaysia eRacing Championship, Campus Tour, and Young Talent Development Programme.

“Racing, both virtual and real, has always been Toyota’s platform for growth and innovation,” said Datuk Ravindran K., President of UMW Toyota Motor. “Our mission has been clear — to discover, nurture, and elevate Malaysian talent, while building a sustainable pathway from simulator to circuit. Four of our ten finalists have already achieved success in real-world racing — proof that our philosophy of Pushing the Limits for Better works.”

Through its eRacing ecosystem, Toyota continues to champion “Mobility for All” — empowering youth with opportunities to learn, compete, and excel beyond the digital track.

The Grand Finals also marked the launch of registration for the 2026 Toyota GAZOO Racing Young Talent Development Programme. Open to aspiring racers aged 16 to 22, the initiative offers training under professional mentors and a shot at competing in the Rookie Class of the 2026 Toyota GAZOO Racing Malaysia Vios Challenge.

The programme welcomes both sim racers and karters, providing an essential bridge between digital racing and professional motorsport.

Registration is open now at tyt.my/rookiesignup2026 and closes on 26 October 2025. Interested participants can also apply via Toyota GAZOO Racing Malaysia’s official social media platforms.