TGR Racing Malaysia team to compete in Thailand Super Series

Quick look

• UMW Toyota Motor’s TGR initiative which began almost 10 years ago now moves from a purely domestic activity to a regional one.

• The newly formed TGR Racing Malaysia team will start off by competing in the GT4 class of the 2026 Thailand Super Series.

It’s been almost ten years since UMW Toyota Motor (UMWT) introduced ‘TGR’ – TOYOTA GAZOO Racing – to the Malaysian motorsports scene. The TGR initiative was aimed at boosting interest in motorsports and drawing a new generation of racers to the sport.

The central activity of the TGR initiative was the Vios One-Make series that has completed 8 seasons, along with the development of drivers through a special program. The success of this program can be seen in the young drivers having progressed significantly that some even race overseas.

In 2026, UMWT moves the TGR initiative from a Malaysian focus to a regional one with the establishment of TGR Racing Malaysia. This new manufacturer-led racing team is set to contest the GT4 class of the 2026 Thailand Super Series, a high-stakes Grand Touring championship.

New challenge for TGR Malaysia
The shift into the Thailand Super Series represents a move toward a more sophisticated level of technical discipline and race management. Unlike the production-based Vios racing cars originally developed for the Vios Challenge, the GT4 category involves purpose-built machinery that must adhere to strict international regulations.

By entering this series, TGR Racing Malaysia aims to benchmark its operational capabilities against established regional teams while continuing to cultivate a professional ecosystem in Malaysian motorsport.

Skilled driver line-up
The team’s all-Malaysian driver line-up is composed of a mix of seasoned GT veterans and rising talent. They are Shaun Thong, Weiron Tan, Nazim Azman, and Putera Adam, all of whom bring varying degrees of formula and sportscar experience. This selection underscores the team’s objective of proving that local talent can perform at the highest levels of regional competition when supported by a structured manufacturer-led program.

GR Supra GT4 EVO2
The team will enter two GR Supra GT4 EVO2 racing cars which are the latest evolution of Toyota’s global customer racing platform. Developed by TOYOTA GAZOO Racing Europe, the EVO2 variant has specific mechanical refinements over its predecessor, focusing on braking consistency and damper performance. These updates were designed to provide better drivability and reliability, which are critical factors during the long-distance formats typical of GT racing.

To ensure the cars remain competitive regardless of their inherent design advantages, the Thailand Super Series employs a Balance of Performance system. This regulatory framework uses weight ballast and engine mapping adjustments to equalize the performance of different manufacturer models, ensuring that results are determined by team strategy and driver execution rather than technical disparity.

For TGR Racing Malaysia, this environment provides a transparent metric for measuring their progress against rival marques. The approach of emphasising driver skill and strategy over mechanical power has also been applied in the Vios Challenge where all the racing cars have identical specifications and engine outputs.

5-round series
The 2026 season will have 5 rounds, mainly run at the Chang International Circuit in Buriram. However, the calendar also includes a street race at the Bangsaen Grand Prix in July, which coincides with the event’s 20th anniversary. This variety of circuit types, ranging from purpose-built FIA Grade 1 tracks to tight seaside streets, will test the adaptability of the team’s drivers and engineers and the versatility of the Supra’s setup.

Two rounds in Malaysia
Malaysian fans will have the opportunity to see the team compete on home soil during the third and fourth rounds of the championship. These mid-season races will be held at the PETRONAS Sepang International Circuit in August and September, providing a familiar environment for the crew. The presence of both Malaysian and Japanese technical staff working in tandem highlights the program’s focus on knowledge transfer and long-term operational sustainability.

While the inaugural season is being approached with a focus on data collection and procedural learning, the ultimate goal is to evolve into a consistent front-running contender. The team will begin its formal preparations with a pre-season test in late April at Buriram, followed by the season opener in May. This methodical approach to the GT4 category signals a more mature era for Toyota’s racing presence in the region, moving beyond promotional events toward specialized endurance competition.

Racing to make ever better cars
“For Toyota, racing is part of our DNA and how we improve. When we compete, the objective is to perform at the highest level and to win, because real racing is where true standards are set. Over the years, TGR Racing has grown into a platform that supports the motorsport industry, brings together the racing community and develops local talent,” said Datuk Ravindran K., President of UMW Toyota Motor.

“The establishment of TGR Racing Malaysia represents the next evolution of TOYOTA GAZOO Racing’s journey in Malaysia. This next evolution sees us stepping into regional GT competition and continuing to raise the bar for Malaysian motorsport,” he added.

Visit the TGR Malaysia website to know more

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