New breed of racers trained at the Toyota Gazoo Racing Academy Philippines

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Motorsports enthusiasts feel the thrill of the tracks with the Vios OMR cars

A fleet of the trusted Toyota Vios in its One-Make-Race build used by participants in the Toyota Gazoo Racing Academy Philippines 2022.

Continuing its mission of promoting motorsports and igniting a passion for the sport among Filipinos, Toyota Gazoo Racing Academy (TGRA) Philippines is back this year for yet another run. TGRA is part of leading mobility company Toyota Motor Philippines’ motorsports program in conjunction with its one-make-race series, the Toyota Gazoo Racing Vios Cup.

TGRA aims to provide an avenue for race enthusiasts to get started on the sport through practical training led by industry professionals. This 2022, TGRA welcomed a number of neophytes and first-time racers to the tracks.

“What’s very important about having these newcomers join the class is it means that there is really a lot of interest out there to participate,” said JP Tuason, lead instructor for TGRA.

The importance of the race academy

Being the first and only program of its kind in the Philippines, the TGRA aims to offer a platform for aspiring racers and motorsports fans to get a professional training combined with a heart-racing driving experience.

“Through the Toyota Gazoo Racing Academy, we give our students a proper, safer venue instead of them racing on the streets. At the same time, they will learn the proper way of driving. I think it’s a very good program for Toyota to reach out to the young ones,” said Ferdinand Ong, race director for the Toyota GAZOO Racing Vios Cup and one of the instructors during the TGRA class.

TGRA is divided into two levels. The first level teaches racers the basics of driving a car geared for racing. Activities during the level one training include braking, follow-the-leader, and slalom exercises. The level two class is designed to teach more advanced racing skills for those looking to become professional racers. With these specialized lessons, Toyota aims to push the limits of participants for them to become better drivers.

Drawn together by their love for racing, Toyota Gazoo Racing Academy participants gathered to learn and race at the Clark Speedway.

For the love of racing

Drawn together by their love for racing, racing students, both young and young-at-heart, zoomed through the Clark Speedway during the TGRA classes.

“When I got the chance to join the Academy this year, I jumped at that opportunity,” said Carla Lizardo, one of the participants during the 2021 Toyota Gazoo Racing Vios Cup Autocross Challenge. “I love it, I was able to learn so much in a day. I really wanted to dive into the details of racing and I got that today.”

Felvin Gurrea, a participant who took both level 1 and 2 training sessions with TGRA, also shared his thoughts on the experience. “Toyota Gazoo Racing Academy is really helpful because it teaches you the basics before you move to the next step in racing. It’s a very organized racing academy and they take care of you until you learn,” he said.

Felvin, who is set to compete in the upcoming 2022 Toyota Gazoo Racing Vios Cup, recorded the fastest time and was recognized as first placer in the slalom exercise during theTGRA class. When asked why he joined the Academy and why he looks forward to the upcoming Vios Cup, he answered simply: “I love the challenge, the thrill and the adrenaline.”

Felvin Gurrea took both level 1 and 2 training sessions with TGRA and is set to compete in the 2022 Toyota Vios Cup.

The TGRA classes also proved to be a unique shared experience with the family for several participants. Father and son Darwyn and Ethan Mercado both joined the TGRA and raced side-by-side during the classes.

“What I really treasure is the time together,” said Darwyn. “We would like to thank Toyota for bringing this kind of program to the Philippines. For my son and I, this has been a bonding experience.”

Similarly, Jesse and Joshua Marquez also attended the TGRA event at the Clark Speedway together. Joshua is an avid fan and participant of motorsports activities, including cart racing and simulation racing. This year, Joshua has decided to venture into car racing, thus joining the TGRA. Having driven the Clark Speedway via simulator in the past, Joshua says that driving it in real life is at once a new but familiar feeling.

“Experiencing that for the first time is surreal. It’s a pinch-yourself-moment that I’m actually here,” Joshua said.

Jesse, who came to support his son Joshua during the classes, expressed that TGRA was a step towards Joshua’s dreams of joining the Toyota Gazoo Racing Vios Cup.

“I wanted Joshua to try the academy first before transitioning from cart to car,” Jesse shared. “As far as I’m concerned, whatever his dreams are, we support him as a family.

Ready, set, start!

For those looking to jump start their journey towards professional racing, TGRA Philippines continues to accept participants for the 2022 classes.

“We believe that the racing class is not only an experience but also an investment. By coming to the class, they invest in themselves to become better drivers,” said JP Tuason. “Whether you want to become a professional race car driver or you just want to become a better driver on the road – this is the place to start.”

The next session of the Toyota Gazoo Racing Academy Level 1 will once again take place at the Clark Speedway on June 26, 2022. To apply you may register through the following link.

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Sta. Ana hailed as KTM Dukehana Philippines champion

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 (L-R) Banjo Monilar, Luisito Sta. Ana and Tedd Marante.

Luisito Sta. Ana bagged the championship in the highly anticipated KTM Dukehana finals held in Cebu City. He will represent the country in the Dukehana Asia Finals 2018 and compete against other Asian champions including those from Thailand, China and Taiwan. Sta. Ana topped the race with a best time of 1:15.67. In second place is Visayas Champion Banjo Monilar who finished in 1:24.11 while Mindanao Champion Tedd Marante finished third with a time of 1:26.32. The finalists were faced with a challenging street course that tested their preciseness in driving and fast maneuvering skills. KTM Dukehana is a motogymkhana time trial sport event were riders maneuver through traffic cones and other obstacles in the shortest time possible with the least number of penalties. This racing event encourages amateurs and expert riders to show off their ready-to-race skills with their KTM motorcycles. 

ATAT RACING TEAM (ART) dominates 2014 Philippine Superbikes Championship

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A new breed of racers from ATAT MC commonly known as ANYTIME ALL THE TIME MOTORCYCLE CLUB with select members that belongs to ATAT RACING TEAM (ART) dominates 2014 Philippine Superbikes Championship, The Pirelli Cup and the Ducati Cup. held at the Clark International Speedway, October 5, 2014.

Here are the rundown of achievements: 

LAWRENCE MACALINAO - Nationals SBK Novice Champion, Pirelli Cup Open Division 1st runner up overall, Ducati Cup novice 1st runner up 

JVS AGUILA - Pirelli Cup Open Division overall Champion

JAY CARRION RED RIDER - Ducati Cup Champion Intermediate

MYKE TORRES - Pirelli Cup Class B Champion

VINCE MERCADO - Ducati Cup Open Division 1st runner up

JC VILLANUEVA - Pirelli Cup Class A, 1st runner up 

RICHARD GUEVARA PANLILIO - Ducati Cup Intermediate - 2nd runner up 

Jvs Aguila won race 1 by 6 seconds and race 2 was declared a wet race. He crashed on the 2nd lap of race 2 and willed to carry on. Race was red flagged and it was restarted. He finally crossed the finished line on 2nd place making him the overall champion! 

The will to win, passion, hard work and determination with their all-Italian superbikes from Ducati and Aprilia.

This is a great racing season. Winning races is just a bonus but the camaraderie and brotherhood is what keeps them winning. 

Looking forward to the 2015 racing season!

Get the chance to meet and greet with the ATAT MOTORCYCLING TEAM On October 17, at Megaworld Mc Kinnley showroom. 

For more info and updates, visit and simply like their page: www.facebook.com/ATATRacingTeam

https://www.facebook.com/ATATRacingTeam?fref=photo

Sponsors: Technomarine, Megaworld, Assurant, Brickfire, ATAT Racing garnered 9 trophies and won in 3 classes. Thanks to all partners who supported us throughout the season of the 2014 Philippine Superbike Championship. TechnoMarine, IPM-CDC, Fila, Foil A Car, Megaworld & Brickfire.

ATAT Motorcycle Club turns 12! 1st official long ride of ATAT on September 26-28

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Highly passionate individuals who loves to ride motorcycles on the street and on the race track and aims on promoting Philippine Motorsports through racing and having organized riding events throughout the country - ATAT, Any Time All The Time.

ATAT Motorcycle Club (ATAT, as formally registered in the SEC, stands for Any Time All the Time) will have its 1st official long ride for 2014 to Baguio as it commemorates the new set of officers for the year 2014-2015 with President Charlie Carlos Ride.

The 1st official long ride of ATAT (2014-2015) to Baguio, will be on this weekend, September 26-28, 2014.

ATAT was founded on friendship in 2002 when three long-time friends Kiko Bernardo, Teddy Lim and Elton Ong decided to get together after realizing their passion for motorbikes. From there, the group of three started to grow and had many impromptu rides —at any given time, at a moment’s notice, with a “drop what you are doing and let’s ride!” kind of attitude.

Together with another long time friend Alberto Matias the group decided to name the group ATAT — which, in the vernacular, describes someone all too eager and impatient to do something. Together with Benjie Ladra, Myke Torres, Kevin Chua, and Jimmy Chan pioneers in ATAT, the group started to grow in numbers. Reaching a high of 45 members at its peak. 

Now on to its 12th year, ATAT Motorcycle Club has established itself as one of the premier motorcycle clubs in the country. At present, the club has 24 members and despite their busy schedules, their friendship has evolved into a deep sense of camaraderie and a brotherhood of passionate riders.

The members consists of : Elton Ong, Benjie Ladra, Abet Matias, Marc de Joya, Charlie Carlos, Raymond Hallare, Vince Mercado, Felix Luakian, Mervin Pullon,Francis Varela, Paolo Vialu, Rei Lagamia, Mayie Capinpin , Oliver Jimeno, JC Villanueva, AJ Maralit, Aaron Macalinao, Jevis Aguila Marketing Manager at Granstar Motors, the local distributor of Aprilia and Lawrence Macalinao “We have been riding for a long time, and unlike other sport-bike riders, ATAT members really push and ride hard. We have made it our advocacy to ride hard on the track, not on the streets, to promote safe riding,” said Marc de Joya, General Manager at Ducati Phils.

Follow their ride schedule and adventures by liking https://www.facebook.com/groups/atatmc/?ref=ts&fref=ts on Facebook as ATAT Racing Team heads on to Clark International Speedway this October 4 & 5 and witness the much awaited 4th leg of the Ducati Cup 2014 and Any Time All the Time Motorcycle Club (ATAT MC).

Racing aficionados' celebration of speed with Globe Slipstream

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Global Slipstream attracted racing aficionados for a unique and historic “celebration of speed.” Racing enthusiasts, as well as the city’s partyphiles and music fans, filled the Bonifacio Global City (BGC) 

Globe Telecom in partnership with the Lotus Formula One (F1) Team, organized and held a great event last August 30, Saturday, entitled Globe Slipstream that bring one fo the world’s fastest sports headlined by one of the fastest driving young drivers in the world at the country’s fastest-developing business hub powered by the nation’s fastest and most modern network.

The festivities started at 1 p.m. and kick off with a car  and motors parade at the Bonifacio High Street. 

That was an exciting celebration of speed with a race car driving exhibition, interactive booths, and an outdoor music festival and concert headlined by local and international acts.

We have seen fast as Lotus F1 junior driver and Prince of Speed Marlon Stockinger brings the F1 experience to Manila as he drive his Lotus WSR Gravity Charouz Formula Renault 3.5 car around a customized BGC race track, showing off the skills that bought him a a seat on the premier Lotus F1 junior team.

Here's for the event’s highlight: an exhibition featuring Filipino-Swiss racecar driver Marlon Stockinger.

Bonifacio High Street turned into an ultimate speed strip with vintage and luxury car parade, car exhibition, and a karting challenge for celebrities also there for racing.

Near fast with hard-hitting beats as electronic dance music performer Dualist Inquiry, American dance-puk band Chk Chk Chk, local bands Up Dharma Down, Yolanda Moon and Autotelic, and DJ Joey Santos cap the night with an upbeat concert party at the BGC Ampitheater.

The fast guys, the race teams of Ducati-Bacchus, Ducati-Access Plus, ATAT Racing Team, Samson College-Access Plus - Ducati Desmo Owners Club of the Philippines and Kojie-San brought in their top riders participated at the Globe Slipstream.

Superbike Riders

More photos :)

To know more about Globe Slipstream, visit www.globeslipstream.ph.

FILA's partnership with ART (ATAT Racing Team)

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FILA' s partnership with ART (ATAT Racing Team) and together with Foil A Car Manila in the official launching of the premiere Superbike Team in the Philippines held at The Jill's The Fort Strip, Bonifacio Global City last July 9, 2014.

FILA, the brand has actively participated in several sports events and activities and have supported several national teams and athletes, and brands like POLO, Rugby and Figure Skating. And here's for the motorcycle enthusiasts!

And as more excitingly to witness, now with the Motorbike Racing. FILA’s partnership is with the ART (ATAT Racing Team), the racing division of Motorcycle Club aiming to uplift Philippine Motorsports and promote safe riding.

ART (ATAT Racing Team) the racing division of ATAT (Any Time All The Time) Motorcycle Club is composed of active motorbikers with friendship that has evolved into a deep sense of camaraderie and a brotherhood of passionate riders.

During the media meet-up and partying, we had the chance to meet ATAT team, officers, President Elmer Pabale, Vice President for Internal Richard Panlilio, Vice President for External Paolo Alabado, Secretary Myke Torres and Treasurer as they call him "Kaban ng Bayan” Jay Carreon.

ART (ATAT) was founded on friendship when three long-time friends Kiko Bernardo, Teddy Lim and Elton Ong decided to get together after realizing their passion for motorbikes. Together with their friend Alberto Matias the group decided to name the group ATAT Any Time All the Time, which, in the vernacular, describes someone all too eager and impatient to do something. With Benjie Ladra, Myke Torres, Kevin Chua, and Jimmy Chan pioneers in ATAT, the group started to grow in numbers. 

ART (ATAT) initially flaunted Japan-made bikes before bring in motorcycles made by Ducati and Aprilia, making the team the only European motorcycle club in Metro Manila. Now going on to its 12th year, ATAT Motorcycle Club has established itself as one of the premier motorcycle clubs in the country.

According to the team officers have been racing almost throughout the Philippines. The team is racing in the Ducati Cup and the National Superbike Championship. And they are preparing for a race in Baguio these coming weeks.

We also meet Lester Codog, owner of Foil A Car and people from the Ducati, Aprilla, Assurant BPO, IPM CDC and Technomarine.

The party held at The Jill's was filled of fun and cocktails, and free beer, Vodka and drinks flowing, great music and guests also participated especially some bloggers did song numbers with the band.

The celebrities like model/actor Fabio Ide, The Volcanoes , Jake Letts, Harry Morris, Matt Mullen, Rupert Zappia, Asia's Next Top Model Finalist Katarina Rodriguez, JM Rodriguez, Cong. Ronald Singson, Pops Fernandez and a lot more joined the great party.

The organizers and sponsors gave raffle surprises like10 GC'S of FILA shoes, 3 Technomarine wristwatches, the raffle of 150 Vodka bottles and more than P100K worth of Foil a car service was also raffled off courtesy of Mr. Lester Codog.

More fun-filled partying was also a celebration of Fila Philippines President Ms. Cris Albert!

Happy birthday Ms Cris and congratulations FILA for another brand endorsement partnership! 

http://instagram.com/p/qPa5-ssJd6/ (msmyrnz)

Special thanks to FILA Philippines' Advertising and Promotions Manager Cherry Bustamante Burwell for inviting us, the PBNet group and blogger friends for this wonderful event!

Enjoying the Wonderful World of FILA and ART (ATAT)! More Power guys!

Here are some pictures during the awesome fun-filled party.