Toyota kicks off 2-day GR Fest 2023 today

The Toyota Gazoo Racing (GR) Festival 2023 kicks off today, and here are some of the highlights that event-goers are set to enjoy for the first day of the automotive spectacle. 

Morizo exhibition

Arguably one of the highlights of the Toyota GR Festival is the appearance of “Morizo.”

Morizo, for the uninitiated, is the pseudonym of Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC) Chairman Akio Toyoda — the grandson of Toyota Motors Founder, Kiichiro Toyoda. 

Considered the father of Gazoo Racing, Toyoda began the racing program as a phantom “works” team. The race crew then slowly, but surely, began winning events and the experience it gained from the said races and the technology it developed for competing trickled down to various road-going Toyota models. 

Toyoda — who raced for Gazoo Racing under the name Morizo— appeared in a special driving exhibition at the Toyota GR Festival. 

International pro racers

The Toyota GR Festival will also host international professional racers, namely Katsuta Norihiko (a nine-time rally champion and the man who taught Morizo how to drift) and Sasaki Masahiro. 

Local racing talents

On top of showcasing international track stars, the Toyota GR Festival will also feature Filipino racing talents. 

These include the likes of Marlon Stockinger, Ryan Agoncillo, Alex Perez, and Luis Gono. 

The aforementioned racers will wow Toyota GR Festival attendees with exhibitions, shotgun rides, and more. 

Musical performances

Those looking to be a part of the Toyota GR Festival will not only experience brand immersion but will also be treated to performances from popular Filipino musicians such as Ely Buendia and Ben and Ben. 

Automotive display

Visitors of the event will also see a suite of vehicles on display. These include models like the Toyota GR Supra, GR 86, GR Yaris, and the recently-unveiled Tamaraw. 

To note, TMC Chairman Toyoda announced that the Tamaraw will be produced in the country and released by next year. 

Drips for ‘drift’

Toyota fans can also cop official merchandise at the dedicated booth near the display area. Available are apparels like shirts, caps, jackets, bags, tumblers, mugs, and other lifestyle items. 

What to expect on Day 2

The second day of the Toyota GR Festival 2023 will offer fans and enthusiasts a similar program. Ahead are fun and exciting times with programs like lateral drifting,  gymkhana, and exhibition stunts. 

Also, performers for tomorrow’s music fest will be Parokya ni Edgar and Kamikazee. 

The event will run from today (August 23) till tomorrow (August 24). 

Photos from Ruben Manahan IV and Juan Paulo Papa

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