Toyota Motor PH leader 'safe' after crash at TGR PH Cup Race Weekend 2

MANILA: Excitement and drama filled the second race weekend of the Toyota Gazoo Racing (TGR) Philippine Cup 2025 after company president Masando Hashimoto figured in a crash at the tracks.

The Toyota Motor Philippines (TMP) president — who raced in the competition’s Novice Class on board the number 4 Toyota Vios — flipped upside down during the 10th lap of Race 5 after hitting the central wall.

“At the third chicane exit, I misjudged my speed and handling, lost control, and collided with the central wall. My car flipped upside down and became immobilized,” the TMP executive narrated.

Due to the crash, Hashimoto’s race car — particularly his engine and tires — suffered major damages from the incident. However, his cabin remained intact — letting him walk away from the incident unscathed.

After being checked at a nearby hospital, it was found that Hashimoto did not sustain any injuries.

“I lost my beloved Vios #4, but she saved my life. We racers experience crashes all the time, many times, which is part of racing, but I have seen first-hand the wonderful fact that Toyota cars are safe, robust and keep the drivers protected,” he said.

During the awarding ceremony yesterday (May 25), Hashimoto joined other TGR Philippine Cup racers and handed over recognitions to winners (even receiving a few himself for his two podium finishes).

Apart from the incident, the races over the last weekend went generally safe and smooth while providing wheel-to-wheel action (thanks to its tighter course layout) to spectators.

“The screams and cheers from the grandstands were the loudest I have ever heard in my life. Many fans enjoyed the race,” Hashimoto said.

In a statement, The TMP president noted Toyota Chairman Akio Toyoda’s emphasis on the importance of “driving, breaking, and fixing” in vehicle development.

“By repeatedly driving and breaking cars in the race environment, he discovers further areas for improvement and strengthens the cars as a master driver. Based on this corporate mantra, Toyota will continue to pursue safer vehicle manufacturing and accessible racing in the future,” he remarked.

Relatedly, TMP mentioned that Hashimoto will continue to contend with other racers in the third and final leg of this year’s TGR Philippine Cup.

Per Hashimoto, the latest event — held at Villar City in Las Pinas — resulted in more than 10,000 registered attendees that went to the event.

Also read:

‘Masa’ gets competitive at 2025 Toyota GR PH Cup opening races

More than just a race: Toyota GR PH Cup

Here are the winners of the 2024 Toyota Gazoo Racing PH Cup

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