Tuason Racing (TR), the country’s leading motorsports events company, sees the growth of the Esports racing community and the introduction of hybrid racing events for 2022 as new platforms to make Filipino racing dreams ‘pandemic-proof”.
Celebrating their 23rd year, they have been known to be the team behind some of the most festive race events in the country. These, among others, include the Ford Lynx Cup, Ford Focus Cup, Ford Fiesta Cup, the GITI Formula V1 Challenge, and one of the largest racing grids in Asia – the ongoing Toyota Gazoo Racing Vios Cup, which saw an astonishing 70 cars/participants on one race grid. On the flip side, Tuason Racing is also a road safety advocate and was able to conduct several successful online seminars for companies and students.
When the pandemic hit, Tuason Racing did a pioneering pivot into Esports by launching the “Race for Frontliners” and the homegrown esports race series, the Formula V1 Virtual Cup. In addition, TR also helped Toyota Motor Philippines in organizing the Toyota Gazoo GT Cup.
With the new year, Tuason Racing believes that Motorsports in the country has nowhere else to go but up, given the success of the previous year amidst the situation. “For 2022, I think we have made some of our programs pandemic proof. We really were sidetracked by the Pandemic, but last year we were able to make changes that allowed us to continue the on ground races safely. The Streaming of races also allowed us to reach more race fans.”
One of the company’s focuses will be on growing the esport racing community. The “digital life” has been pushed forward and is believed to be another career path where Filipinos can be successful. “We saw the growth of this segment in the younger generations; from 2020 to 2021 a 3% increase in participants was seen in both of the virtual racing series we organized. We now understand how gaming has become a useful way to speak to this market.” Quipped the Vice President for Business Development, Jeanette Tuason.
The couple also sees how hybrid racing events will become the trend for wheel to wheel racing. Last year’s successful activation of on ground races will be the foundation as they welcome race fans back to the track without alienating their online fans.