Some car enthusiasts crave the feeling of adrenaline. However, most have limited access to a proper car to use on the track. Some don’t know how to control a vehicle. And most importantly, some don’t know how to be safe on the racetrack.

Thankfully, there’s Toyota Motor Philippines, which recently concluded its first Toyota Gazoo Racing Academy (TGRA) session of the year to inspire and develop aspiring racers at Clark International Speedway.

Experienced racing instructors taught the essential basics, etiquette, and techniques to the students. Participants then appled what they learned using the current-generation Toyota Vios OMR car. They tried various activities like slalom and follow-the-leader so that they could feel how a racing car moves and experience the feel of track corners and straights.

“The TGRA is our way of making motorsports more accessible to racing fans,” said TMP marketing assistant vice president Andy Ty. “We’ll have more batches of the TGRA this year, so we invite those who missed this first batch to join us in the next ones.”

The TGRA was a memorable experience for most of the participants, especially the first-timers.

“I race go-karts, so I wanted to try driving a car—to see kung anong pinagkaiba,” shared Karis Alexandra Santos. “It’s almost the same, but also different because the car is bigger. For me, I feel like mas masaya ito.”

“Since bata pa ako, mahilig na ako sa kotse and manood ng racing,” explained Nemuel Obas. “I’m also fascinated by the mechanical aspects of cars. Kaya I took the opportunity to sign up nung nakita ko na may slot sa Toyota Gazoo Racing Academy.”

“The TGRA makes it more accessible to get into this sport,” expressed Miguel Corrales. “It was beyond my expectations. Akala ko yung first few exercises lang ang gagawin namin—yung avoiding the cones and braking. Yun pala, we also got to go around the track a few times and at a good speed.”

“Pangarap ko makapag-drive sa Speedway, sa track—yung ma-experience yung ganitong driving environment at ma-enhance yung skills ko—so in-encourage ako ng mga anak ko na mag-enroll,” revealed Javi Rios.

“As a woman in motorsports, I’m excited to promote diversity and break down barriers in a traditionally male-dominated sport,” added Ella Nicole Bornilla. “I think the Toyota Gazoo Racing Academy is the perfect place to bring this passion of mine to life.”

TGRA has been a training ground for enthusiasts who want to get into motorsports since 2014. The program continues to inspire future racers, some of whom pursue professional racing careers and compete in the Toyota Gazoo Racing Philippine Cup.

Interested? Know more here.