Vios Cup makes celebs go fast and furious

MANILA, Philippines — Fast cars and celebrities will highlight the Toyota Vios Cup One-Make Race when it speeds off on May 24 at Clark International Speedway in Pampanga.

Among the celebrities in the field of almost 30 drivers include Sam YG, Rhian Ramos, Fabio Ide, Jinno Rufino and Phoemela Baranda, who topped the celebrity category in the promotional race last January.

“I’m really committed to what I’m doing and I’m really focused on my race,” said Baranda during the PSA Forum Tuesday day at Shakey’s Malate. “I am doing this because I have a passion for the sport.”

Toyota racing school manager Billy Billano said the event aims to inspire enthusiasts to pursue competitive but safe professional racing.

“We are trying to promote a series that is very welcoming for aspiring drivers,” Billano said. “There are no pro racers allowed in this series. The drivers here have the entry-level licenses. At most, we can allow a license-C driver as long as he does not have any podium finishes.”

The cars that will be used in the race are modified Vios models, also known as Vios OMRs (One-Make Race).

Only drivers who will pass the tests set by Toyota Racing School and hold a novice-class racing license will be allowed to participate.

“At first it was just something I wanted to take off my bucket list but after the race I just realized that I have to continue to do this,” said Ramos. “Once I experienced the race itself I just fell in love with it.”

The overall champion of the series will get a cash prize, a brand-new Vios and a chance to join either the Japan or Thailand Vios Cup. Paul Kennedy A. Lintag and Ralph Joshua Hernandez, Contributors