Toyota PH crowns GR Supra GT Cup Asia Philippines champions

Toyota Motor Philippines (TMP) has revealed the local contingent for the Japanese brand’s Asia-wide e-motorsport series this October.

The national winners in the recently-concluded Toyota GR Supra GT Cup Asia-Philippines—who will represent the country’s colors—are Terence Lallave, Johann Lance Padilla, and Jose Luis Altoveros.

35-year old Lallave is a Quezon City-based businessman and social media influencer.  He gained the most number of points in the Sporting class after taking third spot in the second round and first in the third round, resulting in a surprise victory against early frontrunners.

“If I were to describe the entire journey... I cannot put it into words because I’m actually surprised that I am here right now and I’ll be the one representing the Philippines," Lallave said. "I’m very thankful to Toyota for bringing this opportunity because we could basically show what Filipinos can do in E-sports races. And it is a very good avenue for sim racing and e-sports here in the Philippines to grow."

Meanwhile, the 24-year-old Padilla was a consistent podium finisher in the Promotional Class. Though the Bacoor-based aircraft mechanic and businessman never bagged the top place, his numbers add up to get him the highest score in his division.

"I joined GR Supra GT Cup Asia Philippines because I think this is the chance I’ve been waiting for," said Padilla. "Just last year, I told myself that Gran Turismo will lead me to places by playing and racing in it. When Toyota posted about this event that may lead to representing our country, I joined immediately."

Completing the three-man team is 25-year old Altoveros. A writer/photographer by profession, Altoveros, who won the Media and Celebrity category in TMP’s virtual race, also bagged the 2019 Vios Racing Festival's Autocross Challenge.

"Aside from planning, I guess the only thing we can do is just to keep on practicing at home and race together," said Altoveros. "At the end of the day, it is a team race. Even if there’s just one winner, we’re all representing the Philippines and it doesn’t matter who gets to the top as long as we raise the Philippine flag in the tournament."

Further, TMP also recognized the victories of Celebrity/Influencer class Reph Bangsil and Junior Class winner Rusell Cabrera. The two join the winner’s stage with the three online drivers who were a product of TMP’s premier e-motorsports program in search for country’s representatives in the international virtual racing scene.

TMP First Vice President for Vehicle Sales Operations Sherwin Chualim expressed gratitude over the turnout of participants in their program.

"We are very thankful for the passion and enthusiasm that Filipino gamers and e-motorsports fans have shown during the course of our inaugural GR Supra GT Cup Asia Philippines.”

Aside from that, he is confident that the three racers will be giving their best at the next level of competition.

"We expect our champions to do their best to represent us well in the Asian Regional Round. We will continuously support them, and hopefully, their success inspires a lot more Filipino racers to pursue this sport that we really can excel in."

"Because of the success of the first season, we will seriously consider staging another tournament in the future," Chualim added.

The Asian Regional Round of the GR Supra GT Cup Asia, hosted by Toyota Motor Asia Pacific and TOYOTA GAZOO Racing, will be streamed on October 25, 2020 via TMP's official Facebook page www.facebook.com/toyotamotorphilippines.

For more information, visit the official website at toyota.com.ph/gtcup.

Photo/s from Toyota Motor Philippines

Also read:

Toyota to launch GR Supra GT Cup Asia-PH next month

Here are the first-round winners for the GR Supra GT Cup Asia PH

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