CEBU, Philippines — Toyota Team Cebu, the only entrant from the South, entered the Toyota Gazoo Racing Vios Cup Philippine Cup with no greater expectation than to perform and try to defend their 2023 crown.
et, their off-season practices and long preparations were gifted with not a single one of the their drivers missing the podium.
In the premier super sporting class, Russel Cabrera and Ian Rosales, both from Iloilo, gave the team the needed points to stay clear of their rivals, the Toyota Balintawak Obengers.
Cabrera finished first in race 2 and second in the one-hour, 30-minute enduro action to collect as much points away from the opposition.
Rosales was third in a magnificent drive on a rainy day, adding to the much needed points tally. He was also the recipient of the fastest lap in the enduro race.
In the sporting class, Jarond Mesina never let off and continued his 2023 winning form to wind up second in race 1 and second in enduro, the toughest category where all drivers are capable of winning.
Series rookie Carlo Suarez played his cards well, drove consistently and stayed away from trouble. His efforts paid off, earning him two third places in race 2 and in the enduro.
On the other hand, series Rookies Rex Abrenilla and Johndale Dyenghong made their presence felt in the promotional class.
Dyenghong landed third in race 1, while Abrenilla settled for second in Race 1 and third in Race 2 as well as in the enduro action.
Im impressed on how the drivers performed. Cliche as it is, correct constant practice makes perfect. Thought we are not there yet, we hold a roadmap to bring us to where we what to be, a back to back for TTC, said TTC team manager Lord Seno.