Masando Hashimoto, president of Toyota Motor Philippines (TMP), emerged unscathed after his Vios race car struck a barrier and overturned during the 2025 Toyota Gazoo Racing Philippine Cup. The incident occurred during the Novice Class circuit race in the final laps.
“He was able to evacuate his Vios one-make-race (OMR) car promptly and came out of the incident without any injuries,” TMP said in a statement.
Hashimoto himself attested to the vehicle’s integrity. “My car flipped upside down and became immobilized. While the tires and engine sustained significant damage from the impact, the cabin remained intact and completely clear, allowing me to escape without even a scratch,” he said.
“I lost my beloved Vios #4, but it saved my life,” Hashimoto said. “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.”
The incident occurred during the second of three Race Weekends for the TGR Philippine Cup, a prominent motorsports event in the Philippines. More than 12,000 attendees experienced various racing and driving activities on the streets of Villar City from May 23-25.
Racers across four classes – Novice, Sporting, Super Sporting, and Legacy – competed wheel-to-wheel in three circuit races over the weekend on a 2.4-kilometer-long street circuit. The makeshift track featured 14 turns, including two hairpins and six chicanes, providing dynamic action for spectators.
TMP has utilized the Vios OMR, specifically converted for the TGR Philippine Cup (formerly Vios Cup), for 11 years, subjecting it to diverse racing conditions on both permanent and street circuits. These vehicles are modified to meet racing standards, incorporating safety features such as a roll cage and a racing seat with 5-point seat belts. Racers are also equipped with fireproof racing suits, gloves, and helmets with Head and Neck Support (HANS) devices.
Toyota said it applies similar rigorous safety standards to its road vehicles, which include features like Toyota Safety Sense, airbags, and various control systems.
TGR, TMP’s motorsports division, said it is dedicated to “pushing the limits for better” through vehicle development in controlled environments. The TGR Philippine Cup operates under the supervision of the Automobile Association Philippines, ensuring the racetrack adheres to safety standards.
Hashimoto reiterated Toyota’s philosophy on vehicle development, citing Toyota Global Chairman Akio Toyoda’s emphasis on “driving, breaking, and fixing.”
“By repeatedly driving and breaking cars in the race environment, he discovers further areas for improvement and strengthens the cars as a master driver,” Hashimoto said. “Based on this corporate mantra, Toyota will continue to pursue safer vehicle manufacturing and accessible racing in the future.”
The race weekend also saw the debut of the Tamaraw Racing Concept, a modified Tamaraw Dropside, as a showcase vehicle during the Drag Race Exhibition. This concept car further underscores Toyota’s commitment to creating exciting vehicles through continuous track testing.
