This upcoming Super GT event also marks the first time it returns to Malaysian soil in the last 12 years.
As Toyota redoubles its motorsports efforts globally, we in Malaysia aren’t left out too, as UMW Toyota Motor and Toyota GAZOO Racing Malaysia is set to serve as the title sponsor for the SUPER GT Malaysia Festival 2025. Held from June 26-28 at Petronas Sepang International Circuit, this marks the first Malaysian SUPER GT round in 12 years, and more importantly, also the first time that the Vios Challenge will be making its international debut.
Vios Challenge: Malaysia’s Premier One-Make Racing Series
The Vios Challenge 2025 will feature a special 1-hour endurance race format, expanding from its usual 30-minute sprint races. This extended format will showcase the full 5.543 km Sepang circuit, accommodating three competition classes:
- Super Sporting (Professional) – Elite drivers competing at the highest level
- Sporting (Amateur) – Experienced amateur racers
- Rookie Class – Young development drivers from the Toyota GAZOO Racing programme
Five talented rookies from the Toyota GAZOO Racing Young Talent Development Programme will compete on this international platform in only their second race of the season. Since its 2021 launch, the programme has graduated 22 drivers, with over 10 currently competing locally and 4 achieving international victories and championships.
The extended race format represents a significant evolution for the series, testing drivers’ endurance and strategic skills while providing more thrilling action for spectators. All competitors will race in identically prepared Toyota Vios powered by 1.5-litre engines with 5-speed manual transmissions, ensuring that race craft, driving skill, and preparation become the great equalisers in what promises to be door-to-door racing battles.
Record-Breaking Motorsport Event
The Super GT Malaysia Festival expects to attract over 40,000 spectators and reach a global audience of 162 million viewers through broadcast and online streaming. This makes it one of Malaysia’s largest motorsport events in recent years.
Celebrating its 8th season, the VIOS Challenge has become Malaysia’s most competitive grassroots racing platform, offering RM800,000 in prize money and featuring 36 drivers from Malaysia, Singapore, and Thailand competing in identically prepared Toyota Vios.
Toyota GAZOO Racing’s Motorsport Dominance
Toyota is currently continuing its winning streak in SUPER GT’s GT500 class. TGR Team au TOM’s team previously claimed the 2023 and 2024 championships, while 2025 season has seen early success with TOM’s GR Supra winning Round 1 at Okayama and KeePer CERUMO GR Supra taking Round 2 at Fuji Speedway.
The Malaysian round represents the only overseas event in the 2025 Super GT calendar, which features 8 races across Japan and this single international stop. UMW Toyota Motor’s involvement as title sponsor reflects their commitment to elevating Malaysian motorsports and establishing clearer progression paths for local drivers to advance into higher-level racing categories.
Festival Experience and Attractions
The Super GT Malaysia Festival offers an immersive motorsport experience featuring:
- GR model showcase including GR Supra, GR Yaris, GR Corolla, GR86, Corolla GR Sport, and GR Sport Corolla Cross HEV
- Original GR merchandise sales and exclusive items
- Interactive games, prizes, and activities for all ages
- Japanese food and cultural village celebrating automotive culture
- JDM (Japan Domestic Model) car displays
- GT Live! post-race concert with local artists including Garam & Madu, TNJ, K-Clique, and Sabhi Saddi
The event combines high-octane racing action with family-friendly entertainment, making it accessible to motorsport enthusiasts and casual fans alike. The festival atmosphere extends beyond the track, creating a comprehensive automotive lifestyle experience at the Sepang International Circuit Mall and Grandstand areas.
Ticket Information
Tickets are available at www.supergtmalaysia.com with options ranging from RM 100 (K1 Grandstand) to RM 2,000 (GT Club Paddock with VIP access). Early bird discounts are available for selected categories.
The event represents a significant milestone for Malaysian motorsports, positioning the country as a key player in the international racing scene while providing a platform for local talent development. With plans underway to establish Toyota GAZOO Racing Malaysia as a factory racing team for regional motorsport series, this festival marks the beginning of Malaysia’s expanded presence in global motorsports competition.
