Tag Archives: simulation racing

NEWS

2024 GR GT Cup Asia: Taj Aiman emerges as champion, representing Asia at global finals this December

The final round of the 2024 Toyota Gazoo Racing (GR) GT Cup Asia concluded last weekend, with Taj Izrin Aiman emerging as the champion, surpassing 14 other participants from five ASEAN countries.

Accumulating a total of 65 points, Taj Aiman was crowned the individual champion of GR GT Cup Asia 2024, taking home a cash prize of US$ 8,000, followed by Andika Rama from Indonesia, the 2023 individual category champion, with a total of 57 points and a prize of US$4,500.

His fellow competitor Moreno Pratama secured the third position on the podium with 48 points and a cash prize of US$3,000.

This means that Taj Aiman and Andika Rama will represent Asia at the GR GT Global Finals on December 6th in Amsterdam.

Three races were featured, starting with the GR Yaris vehicles at the Sardegna Windmills rally circuit, followed by the GR Corolla Morizo Edition at the wet Nurburgring GP circuit, and finally the GR010 Hybrid vehicles at the Fuji International Speedway.

“I am truly at a loss for words. Despite facing technical difficulties and being unable to complete the race last year, I am extremely proud of the dedication and training that has paid off,” said Taj Aiman.

“I am very excited to continue training with Andika Rama in preparation for the Global Cup in Amsterdam.”

Andika Rama, representing Asia for the second time this year, added, “I am honored to represent Asia once again this year. Competing with Taj Aiman has been an incredible challenge.

“I pushed myself, but Aiman’s consistency and strategy in all three races were difficult to overcome. I am thrilled to have Aiman as a teammate as we prepare for the final round and cannot wait to make Asia proud.”

Three special awards were also presented to recognize outstanding performances by participants as follows:
• Driver of the Day – Taj Izrin Aiman (MY)
• Best Racecraft Driver – Russel Reyes (PH)
• Fastest Race Pace – Andika Rama (ID)

GR GT Cup Asia 2024 also welcomed Razer Inc. as the official partner, sponsoring a set of Razer BlackShark V2 X headsets designed to ensure smooth, clear, and comfortable communication among the racers.

NEWS

Bridgestone Malaysia brings racing simulation experience to university students

Bridgestone Tyre Malaysia has further intensified the e-sports arena in Malaysia by organizing “Bridgestone Rivals: Race to the Top” from June 26 to July 5, 2024.

The simulation racing championship was held at several higher education institutions, including Segi University Kota Damansara, Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (UTAR) Sungai Long, and Asia Pacific University (APU), TPM Bukit Jalil, where it successfully attracted over 2,000 visitors, with over 530 participants adding to the excitement.

Bridgestone is the first tire manufacturer to collaborate with Forza Motorsport, one of the leading simulation racing platforms, where participants were given the opportunity to race using a Lamborghini Huracan STO in the Hakone Grand Prix.

The final round of the championship took place at APU on July 5, 2024, featuring 45 students who successfully recorded the best lap times.

It also included a special session for media practitioners and an Open Group Championship for the top 20 public participants.

Michael Chung, Managing Director of Bridgestone Tyre Sales (Malaysia), said, “We are very excited to bring the thrill of racing simulation to university students and motor sports enthusiasts.

“This competition not only bridges the gap between the physical and digital realms, but also provides inspiration and connects the public through a shared interest in motor sports.

In the challenge, three students, Brandon Ho, Chuo Chung Zhi, and Bryan Wong emerged as the top three racers, each taking home cash prizes of RM1,000, RM800, and RM500 respectively, along with trophies and Bridgestone merchandise.

NEWS

Final round GR GT Cup season 7 at Sunway University this weekend

UMW Toyota Motor invites Malaysians interested in Gran Turismo 7 simulation racing to witness the final round of the 2024 Toyota Gazoo Racing GT Cup season 7 at Sunway University Campus from 27th to 28th July.

The two-day event is open to the public, where the semi-final round will be held on 27th July to select the fastest simulation racers who will compete on 28th July for a total prize of RM120,500.

The semi-final stage will see 20 racers driving the Toyota GR Corolla MORIZO Edition at Alsace circuit in France, as well as the Toyota GR Supra RZ at the Deep Forest Raceway circuit in Switzerland.

The top 10 fastest participants will advance to the final stage to race the GR010 prototype car at Monza circuit in Italy and the GR Supra Racing Concept car at Circuit De La Sarthe Le Mans circuit in France.

Notable contenders this year include Taj Izrin Aiman Taj Madira vying for his fourth championship title, competing against last year’s runner-up Danesh Wigneswaran and Chong Kai Chang, as well as 2022 champion Muhammad Iqbal.

The GR GT Cup final will also feature a special race involving TGR Rookies, media practitioners, and the top 10 fastest racers from the GR Tour, comprising students from Sunway University, USM Nibong Tebal, MMU, UKM, and UiTM Pasir Gudang.

The public is also invited to test their racing skills and stand a chance to win special prizes.

There will also be a showcase of Tomica diecast vehicle models and exclusive Gazoo Racing merchandise for purchase, as well as displays of the latest Toyota vehicles.

UMW Toyota President, Datuk Ravindran K, stated, “Simulation racing is evolving globally and is now recognized as a crucial step for individuals aspiring to transition to real racing.

“It is also a vital prerequisite in the selection and training of candidates wishing to join the Gazoo Racing Young Driver Development Program to compete as a Rookie in the GR Vios Challenge,” he added.