For the first time in its history, Malaysia’s premier saloon car racing series—the VIOS Challenge—will race on an international stage, joining the AUTOBACS SUPER GT Series during its much-awaited return to Malaysia. This landmark event, held from 26–28 June 2025 at the iconic Petronas Sepang International Circuit, marks the first Malaysian round of SUPER GT in over a decade and is expected to draw more than 40,000 spectators and captivate a global audience of 162 million.

As one of the feature support races for SUPER GT’s grand comeback, the VIOS Challenge will take on a new endurance-style format, doubling its usual duration to a full hour. The race will span the entire 5.543km Sepang circuit and include three categories: Super Sporting (Professional), Sporting (Amateur), and the Rookie Class—showcasing the very best of grassroots and developmental motorsports talent.

Five rising stars from the Toyota GAZOO Racing Young Talent Development Programme, established in 2021, will be making their international debut during only their second race of the season. To date, the program has produced 22 graduates, with several already securing victories and championship titles on international circuits.

UMW Toyota Motor and Toyota GAZOO Racing Malaysia (TGR) are not only sponsoring the event but are using the global spotlight to highlight their dedication to nurturing local talent and growing the country’s motorsports profile.

“Our participation as Title Sponsor reflects UMW Toyota Motor’s continued commitment to elevate Malaysian motorsports,” said Datuk Ravindran K., President of UMW Toyota Motor. “To now have our drivers compete on the same stage as international teams at SUPER GT marks a defining milestone. This opportunity aligns with our GAZOO Racing philosophy of pushing limits for better—developing not just vehicles, but people.”

Datuk Ravindran also announced plans to establish Toyota GAZOO Racing Malaysia (TGRMY)—a factory team aimed at competing in regional series and carving out a clearer path for Malaysian drivers to ascend to higher tiers of competition.

Now in its 8th season, the VIOS Challenge has become Malaysia’s most competitive and accessible grassroots racing series. With 36 drivers from Malaysia, Singapore, and Thailand, the championship levels the playing field with identically prepared 1.5-litre Toyota VIOS cars, rewarding pure driving skill and strategy. The series also offers a substantial RM800,000 prize pool—making it a key stepping stone for aspiring racers.

The SUPER GT Malaysia Festival is the only international stop on the 2025 SUPER GT calendar. Toyota enters the season strong, with TGR Team au TOM’s and TOM’s GR Supra securing championship titles in 2023 and 2024. In 2025, TOM’s GR Supra clinched victory in Round 1 at Okayama, while KeePer CERUMO GR Supra won Round 2 at Fuji Speedway—reaffirming Toyota’s dominance in the GT500 class.

Beyond the action on track, fans can immerse themselves in the full Toyota GAZOO Racing Malaysia experience at the Sepang Circuit’s Mall & Grandstand. Highlights include:

  • A showcase of GR performance cars: GR Supra, GR Yaris, GR Corolla, GR86, and more
  • Exclusive GR merchandise
  • Interactive games and family-friendly activities
  • A Japanese cultural village and JDM car showcase
  • The GT Live! post-race concert featuring local artists like Garam & Madu, TNJ, KL48, and more

Organized by HARO Sports & Entertainment and sanctioned by the GT Association, tickets for SUPER GT Malaysia are now available at www.supergtmalaysia.com:

  • K1 Grandstand: RM100 (RM80 early bird)
  • Main Grandstand: RM250 (RM200 early bird)
  • GT Suite: RM350
  • GT Live! Rock Zone: RM500
  • GT Club Paddock: RM2,000 (includes VIP concert access)

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