UMW Toyota Motor (UMWT) is stepping into a new arena of motorsport with TGR Racing Malaysia, a manufacturer-backed team competing in the GT4 class of the 2026 Thailand Super Series.
This move marks Toyota Malaysia’s first full-season entry into regional GT racing, signalling a strategic ambition: to develop local motorsport talent, strengthen operational capabilities, and reinforce Toyota’s brand as a dynamic, performance-driven company in Southeast Asia.
From Domestic Development to Regional GT Ambitions
The TGR Racing Malaysia programme builds on eight seasons of the Toyota Gazoo Racing Vios Challenge, which honed Malaysian drivers, engineers, and race crew in a controlled, one-make environment. GT4 racing, however, exposes full team operations—strategy, execution, and teamwork—against top regional competition, providing a higher level of challenge and learning.
Datuk Ravindran K., President of UMW Toyota Motor, explained:
“For Toyota, racing is part of our DNA. Entering GT4 allows us to challenge our team, develop local talent, and raise the standard of Malaysian motorsport at a regional level.”
Unlike R&D for production vehicles, GT4 racing is about people, process, and performance—developing skills that elevate both the team and Toyota’s brand presence in motorsport.
Why GT4 and the Thailand Super Series
TGR Racing Malaysia will compete in the Thailand Super Series (TSS), recognized as one of Southeast Asia’s most competitive GT championships, featuring machinery such as the Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS Clubsport, Mercedes-AMG GT4, Aston Martin Vantage GT4, and multiple Toyota GR Supra GT4 EVO2 entries.
GT4 rules, regulated by the SRO Motorsports Group, use Balance of Performance (BoP) to keep cars competitive regardless of manufacturer. This ensures the focus is on execution, consistency, and strategy—exactly the areas Toyota Malaysia wants to build in its team.
GR Supra GT4 EVO2: A Proven Race Platform
The team will field two GR Supra GT4 EVO2 race cars developed by Toyota Gazoo Racing Europe. The EVO2 version incorporates improvements in braking, suspension tuning, cooling, and ABS calibration, informed by global GT4 racing experience.
While the cars are competitive, Toyota Malaysia’s priority remains building operational expertise, developing Malaysian talent, and learning the nuances of full-season regional GT racing.
All-Malaysian Driver Line-Up
TGR Racing Malaysia’s drivers combine experience and emerging talent, aligning with Toyota’s development strategy:
- Shaun Thong (31) – Multiple GT Asia titles and endurance race wins; seasoned regional competitor
- Weiron Tan (31) – Former Audi Sport Asia works driver with international endurance and GT experience
- Putera Adam (19) – 2025 Lamborghini Super Trofeo Europe PRO champion; Toyota Young Talent Development graduate
- Nazim Azman (24) – FIA Formula 3 alum moving into GT racing via Porsche Carrera Cup Asia
The focus is not just podiums, but preparing the drivers and crew to operate consistently at a high level, giving Malaysia a credible presence in Southeast Asian GT racing.
2026 Thailand Super Series Calendar
- Pre-season test: 22–23 April, Chang International Circuit, Buriram
- Round 1: 21–24 May, Chang International Circuit, Buriram
- Round 2: 1–5 July, Bangsaen street circuit, Chonburi
- Rounds 3 & 4: 21–23 August & 18–20 September, Sepang International Circuit, Malaysia
- Finale: 30 Oct–1 Nov, Chang International Circuit, Buriram
CarTok Editor’s Note
Toyota Malaysia’s GT4 entry is about more than engineering cars—it’s a platform to build capability, showcase performance, and reinforce the brand’s DNA of reliability and racing pedigree. One-make racing develops drivers under controlled conditions; GT racing exposes the team’s full operations—strategy, execution, and teamwork—against top regional competition.
At the same time, it positions Toyota as a dynamic, aspirational brand for racing enthusiasts and younger audiences, showing that the company isn’t just about daily cars, but also serious motorsport. If TGR Racing Malaysia succeeds, it won’t just be a car on the podium—it will set a benchmark for developing Malaysian motorsport talent, operational excellence, and dynamic brand presence.
