Team Philippines Malaysia-bound for Asia Finals of Toyota Gazoo Racing GT Cup on September 24

MANILA, Philippines — Russel Reyes, 22, has always been interested in car racing because of the thrill that it provides. But, it’s not that simple to get inside a racetrack and drive fast cars. Motorsports, after all, is expensive.

Then comes simulation racing, and it’s where Reyes has found an accessible platform where he can “replicate the feeling.”

“Sim racing and real racing are very similar. The difference only is the G force. In sim racing, you don’t feel the movement. But in sim racing, you can translate what you learn to real racing. So it’s a good training before you go out on the track. It saves time and money practicing and you can also find coaches,” he told Philstar.com in an exclusive interview.

Little did he know that sim racing would actually take him to national and regional competitions. Reyes is bound for Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia to compete in the Asia Finals of TOYOTA GAZOO Racing Gran Turismo Cup (TGR GT Cup) on September 24.

He rose to the challenge and became the champion during the TGR GT Cup Philippines 2023 National Finals last August 24.

“Since I started sim racing in the GT Cup, it’s been very fun. I met a lot of people along the way who are very important in my career. It got me a job as well so that’s a huge milestone for me,” Reyes shared.

Similarly, Matthew Ang, 20, also got into sim racing because it was a great way to learn real racing. Finishing second place at the National Finals, he joins Reyes in Team Philippines.

Only on his second year participating in the TGR GT Cup, he is one of the youngest racers ever to represent the Philippines.

“My experience has been honestly amazing. Competing with these top-level drivers. I’ve learned so much about what I can and can’t do on the track and