TOYOTA GAZOO Racing (TGR) Asia revealed the 15 finalists set to compete in the Gazoo Racing Gran Turismo (GR GT) Cup Asia Finals 2024 – an electrifying e-Motorsports event played on “Gran Turismo 7” for PlayStation5 (PS5) and PlayStation4 (PS4).
The highly anticipated finals will take place on 13 October 2024 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, where top racers from Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, and Thailand will battle for a coveted spot in the global GR GT Cup later this year.
The event will be hosted at Connexion Conference and Event Centre, a state-of-the-art venue with floor-to-ceiling screens designed to maximize visibility and elevate the racing experience for both participants and spectators alike.
“We are thrilled to continue to push the boundaries of e-Motorsports in the region with the fifth edition of the Gazoo Racing Gran Turismo Cup Asia Finals. At Toyota Gazoo Racing Asia, we are committed to sharing the excitement of motorsports with a wider community, especially the next generation of enthusiasts. Platforms like the GR GT Cup provide an opportunity for talented racers to showcase their skills while also driving our mission of innovation and continuous improvement. The dedication and passion of this year’s finalists reflect the spirit of motorsports, and we look forward to seeing how they inspire the future of racing,” shared Toyota Gazoo Racing Asia Vice President Preston Tan.
GR GT Cup ASIA: Format of Play
Local Qualifying Race
This year’s finalists showcase the region’s top e-racing talent, with competitors from Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, and Thailand. Among them are defending top three racer Andika Rama from Indonesia, who has maintained his position over the past two years, and crowd favorites Taj Aiman from Malaysia and Thanaphat Pungphat from Thailand.
Representing the Philippines are Luis Moreno, who won second place at the Asia Finals last year, Russel Reyes, and newcomer Enzo Ison. The three came out on top after besting 40 of the best sim racers in the country at the National Finals held at the SM Mall of Asia in August.
The top three racers from each country, having qualified through local races, will now compete in the GR GT Cup Asia Finals in Malaysia. These 15 e-Motorsports racers will go head-to-head in three thrilling races on iconic circuits at the Regional Finals.
Final Race
The finals will be held across three racetracks, each bringing a unique mix of speed, strategy, and skill. Through a point system, the overall champion will be determined by the total points scored. Racetracks will include iconic circuits such as Sardegna Windmills, Nürburgring GP, and Fuji Speedway, offering familiar challenges and unpredictable elements.
The finalists will battle for two spots at the Global Finals to be held later this year, alongside a prize pool of over USD $61,000.
Streaming and Media Coverage
Fans across the region won’t miss a moment of the excitement, as the GR GT Cup Asia Finals will be live-streamed on Toyota’s Gazoo Racing Asia’s Facebook and Toyota Gazoo Racing Philippines’ Facebook. Hosting the event will be Singapore’s Victoria Cheng, alongside local commentators Dez Corkhill, Amir Haziq, Ari Saputra (IN), Mike Denaldi (IN), James Laohongthong (TH), and Kulachart Oat Rhuvatana (TH).
As Toyota Gazoo Racing Asia leads the way in e-Motorsports innovation, the GR GT Cup plays a key role in realizing its vision of engaging a new generation of fans and racers. By blending the excitement of both virtual and physical racing, Toyota is not only pushing the limits of racing, but also reinforcing its commitment to advancing mobility solutions. This platform underscores Toyota’s broader mission to nurture young talent, enhance the appeal of motorsports, and create unique driving experiences across the Asia region and beyond.