SHAH ALAM: Penang sets the stage for an epic Round 3 of the Toyota Gazoo Racing Festival (TGR) as racers in all three classes of the Toyota Vios Challenge vie in a strategic game of nerves to extend their lead in the championship.
The penultimate race at Stadium Batu Kawan from Feb 15-16, 2020 is critical in deciding the Super Sporting, Sporting and Promotional class championship. It is the last race of the season to be contested on a street circuit race before the finale moves to the Sepang International Circuit in April.
The first two races of the Season 3 were held at the Kuala Terengganu and Bandar Malaysia street circuits.
“Penang can essentially make or break a driver’s championship campaign this season. For some, it will be the last chance to capitalize on their experience competing on a street circuit and hopefully build an almost unassailable lead in the championship. For others, it will be about fighting to narrow the gap in order to keep their championship hopes alive, enough to cause an upset when the racing moves to a permanent circuit,” said Toyota Gazoo Racing Malaysia’s Chief Motorsports Officer, Akio Takeyama.
In the Super Sporting class for professionals, Malaysia’s Drift King Tengku Djan Ley currently leads the point standings with 36 points, just 8 points adrift of Laser Motor’s Mark Darwin followed by Kenny Lee a further point behind.
With 17 drivers on the grid, every single Sporting class race meanwhile, has been nothing short of a dog fight. S&D Tama Motorsports’ and automotive journalist Tom Goh currently leads the standings with 28 points, just two points ahead of TGR debutante Haji Sutan Mustaffa Salihin.
One point behind him is Crestmax Motorsport’s Adam Khalid followed by another TGR newcomer and young driver Bradley Benedict Anthony with 22 points.
Leading the Promotional class for celebrities meanwhile, is television presenter and comedian Nabil Ahmad who has a four point advantage over Season 1 overall champion Shawn Lee at 28 points, and singer Khai Bahar in third position.
A total of 10 local celebrities will line-up on the grid in Penang who include Diana Danielle; Janna Nick; Shukri Yahaya; Nabila Razali; Wany Hasrita; Ain Edruce; and Syafiq Kyle.
“The excitement of the TGR Festival is not confined to thrills and spills on the track, but includes so many activities for the family. It will feature the display and test drive of Toyota’s fleet of new vehicles, a drift performance, a racing simulator challenge, stage games, celebrity performances, promotional activities, lucky draws, the sale of merchandises, and a Super Fans Signing Session for a chance to mingle with the celebrities racing in the Promotional class. Also on display will be the flagship GR Supra!,” said UMW Toyota Motor President, Ravindran K.
The TGR Festival kicks off from 9am on Saturday (Feb 15, 2020) to Sunday (Feb 16, 2020).
Entrance is free.
