CinemaBravo

If you were a kid in the ’90s, you probably remember the thrill of building and racing a Tamiya toy car. These iconic mini race cars, once a cultural phenomenon, are roaring back in 2024, capturing the imagination of both longtime fans and a new wave of young enthusiasts.

At a recent event in Parañaque City, fans of all ages gathered to assemble, race, and celebrate these legendary cars.

Held at Ayala Malls Manila Bay, the event showcased a range of Tamiya models, including the Neo-VQS, Mini 4WD, Geo Glider, and Festa Jaune, alongside classics like the Brocken Gigant, Manta Ray Mk II, Mach Frame, and Cross Spear 02. The atmosphere buzzed with energy as both beginners and seasoned racers dove into the world of Tamiya, building and racing their own cars in a hands-on experience.

The vision behind The Brickyard

At the center of this resurgence is Ferdie Kahn, the owner of The Brickyard and the official Tamiya distributor in the Philippines. Speaking to select media including CinemaBravo, Kahn shared the inspiration behind his Tamiya journey, one that started as a personal hobby back in his childhood days.

“I loved racing cars as a kid,” he reflected. “It wasn’t always the Tamiya mini cars you see today, but the thrill was the same. My dad used to buy these models for me, and it became a shared hobby.”

Kahn’s nostalgia turned into something more serious in 2018 when he decided to open The Brickyard in Glorietta 2, a space dedicated to Tamiya enthusiasts. This venture even involved a partnership with Shunsaku Tamiya, the son of Yoshio Tamiya, founder of the Tamiya Corporation.

Kahn envisioned The Brickyard as more than just a store; he saw it as a community hub. “I wanted to create a space where builders and racers, young and old, could come together to enjoy and learn about the hobby. It’s really rewarding to introduce the joy of Tamiya cars to newcomers and to watch their interest grow.”

Building a community, representing the Philippines

The Tamiya craze isn’t just a fleeting trend in the Philippines—it’s part of a vibrant community with a strong competitive spirit. Kahn explained that Filipino racers have represented the country in international competitions for years, bringing home impressive achievements.

“Locally, the passion here is incredible. When we host races, we see anywhere from 500 to 700 racers participating, each one deeply invested in their cars,” Kahn shared. “It’s remarkable to see such focus and enthusiasm. When you attend one of these big races, you can truly feel the excitement.”

The Philippines’ Tamiya community has made an impressive mark on the global stage. “We’ve held our own internationally,” Kahn said proudly. “In 2009, we even hosted a major competition, and our racers took home a win. Although the pandemic interrupted things, we still made it to the semifinals in 2022 and 2023. And in 2026, we’ll be hosting another major competition here.”

Taking on the world stage

Each November, Tamiya enthusiasts from around the globe gather in Japan for the prestigious Tamiya World Challenge. On November 14, the Philippines will be represented by two skilled racers, each having earned their spot through rigorous regional competitions held in Makati just a month prior. The regional event drew nearly 100 participants, including 50 international racers, showcasing the Philippines’ strong presence in the Tamiya racing scene.

“Our racers are ready to take on the world,” Kahn shared excitedly. “The regional event was a huge success, and now it’s time to see how we fare against the best.”

Throughout the year, Filipino racers also participate in various events in the United States and Thailand. Though not always specific to Tamiya, these competitions still provide valuable experience and showcase the talent and dedication of Filipino racers.

A hub for Tamiya fans: The RCYard at Ayala Malls

For those looking to experience the thrill of Tamiya racing, The Brickyard’s RCYard offers the country’s largest Tamiya track, located on the 5th level of Ayala Malls Manila Bay. The RCYard has become a haven for hobbyists, racers, and newcomers alike, providing a space where fans can build, race, and connect over a shared passion.

With a growing community, competitive spirit, and global recognition, Tamiya’s comeback is more than just nostalgia; it’s for everyone to enjoy and experience firsthand.