TOYOTA Motor Philippines has opened qualifiers for the 2026 TGR Philippines Esports GT Championship, giving aspiring racers another chance to move from the virtual world into actual motorsport. The esports season comes just after the conclusion of Race Weekend 3 of the Toyota Gazoo Racing Philippine Cup last Aug. 15, continuing Toyota’s effort to connect sim racing with its real-world racing program. The TGR Philippines Esports GT Championship has become more than just a competition for Gran Turismo players. Previous winners have gone on to compete in the TGR Philippine Cup, showing that quick hands and good racecraft behind a simulator can eventually lead to a seat in an actual race car. Qualifying runs from Aug. 17 to Sept. 13 this year and can be done either online or at selected Toyota GR performance dealerships. For participants without their own PlayStation setup, onsite qualifying is available at Toyota Makati, Toyota Alabang, Toyota Silang Cavite, Toyota San Fernando Pampanga, Toyota Calamba, Toyota Cebu City, Toyota Otis, Toyota Commonwealth, Toyota Manila Bay, Toyota Global City, and Toyota Santa Rosa. Those who prefer to qualify from home will need a PlayStation 4 or PlayStation 5, a copy of Gran Turismo 7, an active PlayStation Network account and a PlayStation Plus subscription. All participants, whether competing online or onsite, must register in advance to secure a qualifying schedule. The biggest change for 2026 is the addition of a Junior Class aimed at younger competitors. Racers aged 18 and below will compete separately, while participants aged 19 and above will enter the Sporting Class. Previously, all drivers competed in a single category, with the top three eventually earning the chance to represent the Philippines in the regional finals. This year, the top 10 fastest drivers from the Sporting Class and the top 10 from the