Toyota Malaysia Enters Regional GT Racing with TGR Racing Malaysia

[The_Mechanic]

Toyota Malaysia is taking its motorsport presence to the next level. UMW Toyota Motor (UMWT) recently announced the launch of TGR Racing Malaysia, a manufacturer-led team set to compete in the 2026 Thailand Super Series.

This move marks a major step forward for the brand, moving from local one-make races into the highly competitive regional GT4 category.

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From the Vios Challenge to the Regional Stage​

For the past eight seasons, the Toyota Gazoo Racing Vios Challenge has been the training ground for Malaysian drivers and technical crews. Using the experience gained from those years of sprint racing, TGR Racing Malaysia is now ready to face established teams from across Southeast Asia.

Datuk Ravindran K., President of UMW Toyota Motor, noted that racing is part of Toyota’s DNA. He explained that this new team is a way to continue raising the standards for Malaysian motorsport while developing local talent on a bigger stage.

The Car: GR Supra GT4 EVO2​

The team will field two GR Supra GT4 EVO2 race cars. These machines are built by TGR Racing Europe specifically for global customer racing. The "EVO2" version features several key upgrades based on driver feedback, including:

• Better Braking: Improved stopping power for endurance.
• Revised Suspension: New damper settings for better handling.
• Enhanced Cooling: Vital for the high temperatures found in Asian racing.
• Refined ABS: Better calibration to help drivers stay consistent.

All-Malaysian Driver Line-up​

TGR Racing Malaysia is keeping it local with a talented roster of Malaysian drivers:

• Shaun Thong
• Weiron Tan
• Nazim Azman
• Putera Adam

These drivers will be supported by a technical team with decades of top-level experience, ensuring a transfer of high-level racing knowledge to the local crew.

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2026 Race Calendar​

The team will compete in five rounds of the Thailand Super Series, including two events on home soil at Sepang.

Round	Date	Location
Pre-season Test	22–23 April	Chang International Circuit, Thailand
Round 1	21–24 May	Chang International Circuit, Thailand
Round 2	1–5 July	Bangsaen Grand Prix, Thailand
Round 3	21–23 August	Petronas Sepang International Circuit, Malaysia
Round 4	18–20 September	Petronas Sepang International Circuit, Malaysia
Season Finale	30 Oct–1 Nov	Chang International Circuit, Thailand

Looking Ahead​

While 2026 is a learning year for the new team, the goal is clear: build a foundation of technical excellence and eventually become a consistent contender for the title. By competing in the GT4 class, the focus remains entirely on the skill of the drivers and the efficiency of the crew.