South Africans can look forward to the latest in Esports racing, courtesy of Toyota, with the launch of the TTGE Backseat Drivin’ GT Challenge.
The unique event will see Toyota bringing real-world backseat drivers into the virtual racing arena, pitting South Africa’s sharpest wits against the nation’s top racing talent.
The Toyota Gaming Engine returns with the GT Challenge, this time featuring six races across six unique tracks. The competition entries open on 14 January and each week two new tracks will be launched, with submissions closing on 13 February. The top 12 racers will then battle it out for a spot in the top 6 finals, where they’ll compete for their share of R25,000 in cash prizes.
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On top of that, every racer will face the ultimate distraction: the funniest backseat drivers chirping in their headsets.
Toyota’s three professional backseat drivers – Annoyin’ Troy Sheperds, Traffic Jam-Jam, and Yellin’ Yerik Jomei – will add to the chaos in an invitational segment where they will try throw off pro gamers and take the banter to the next level. The stakes are high, with the fastest flawless lap racer earning a R1,000 Takealot voucher.
Toyota are also searching for a fourth driver. If you or your favourite backseat driver have the jokes to rattle a racer, tag them on Instagram, Facebook, or X, and you could win a PlayStation 5. Toyota’s influencers have been getting in on the action, too. Guided by racing legend Michael van Rooyen, they hopped into the backseat of a high-performance Toyota GR Corolla, unleashing relentless chirps and witty banter as Van Rooyen pushed for his fastest lap.
Cash Prizes
- 1st place – R15 000 cash
- 2nd place – R7 500 cash
- 3rd place – R2 500 cash
Fastest Laps
Race 1-6 take place across 6 different tracks in Gran Turismo, with submissions for all 6 races closing on 4 February.
- Race 1 – 14 January 2025
- Race 2 – 16 January 2025
- Race 3 – 21 January 2025
- Race 4 – 23 January 2025
- Race 5 – 28 January 2025
- Race 6 – 30 January 2025
- Top 12 – 11 February 2025
- Finals – 13 February 2025
How to Enter
Racers can sign up for TTGE Backseat Drivin’ GT Challenge by visiting the Toyota Gaming Engine page here.
Follow Toyota SA and TTGE’s social media channels for more updates.
