PFAFI/DOT-sponsored 1st Asian V8 Championship takes off: A glimpse of Tom Pastor’s 5-year Phl motorsport development plan

Q- Why did you choose racing as your sport?

A- Because I have control on my car, unlike if it were a horse.

Q- What traits are developed when one engages in this sport?

A- One gets to develop discipline, awareness, and gets to control his car well. This is very important in a country like ours where there are many drivers.

Q- What is your big dream as a motorsports man?

A- My dream is actually my long-term goal—to see the Philippines become a permanent motorsports hub in Asia.

Q-What have you done in line with your goal?

A-As founder and president of the Philippine Formula Autosport Foundation, Inc. (PFAFI), I have helped speed up the FIA accreditation that the Clark Speedway International could not deliver back in 2012 by buying eight US late-model V8 cars, to start with. PFAFI has sent Filipino champion race drivers to other competitions in eight Asian countries before. We have also started a five-year race program in the Philippines.

Q- What government agency must you tap to get the support you need towards this objective?

A- We have asked for the support of the Department of Tourism and they are co-presenting the first Asian V8 Championship but it is really the Office of the President (of the Philippines) that should help out in developing our motorsport. It will take too long to lobby for a major program that requires a project study for these initiatives. I’d rather that the President issue a Proclamation to develop motorsports.

Q-You obviously need the support of the private sector as well, for such a Herculean task. Are you tapping corporate sponsors as well?

A-Yes. Eventually, we will have each team supported by one company, the way the PBA teams are being supported, and the individual race drivers, as well.

Q-As a foundation, will a corporate sponsor enjoy tax deductions?

A-I know that there are many tax incentives for motorsports infrastructure projects. Donations also mean a reduction in taxes due.

Q-I would understand if, like any novel project, PFAFI is also having birth pains with regards the holding of the 1st Asian V8 Championship, but surely, there are beautiful surprises along the way. What are they?

A- The fact that we have won the support of the Department of Tourism is something we are grateful for. International celebrity race drivers, like Stefano Marini of Italy, JR Merzei and Hider Assuncao of Macau, Ferdinand Pastor of the Philippines, Josh Burdon of Australia, Don Pastor of the USA, Kunihiro Iwatsuki of Japan and others are coming to participate in the second leg of this 1st Asian V8 Championship which will take place at the Batangas Racing Circuit in Rosario, Batangas on June 7 and 8. By the way, the public is invited. We are also thankful to many who would even volunteer support. It is just that we have costs, too, like airing it on Foxsport TV, gasoline, the transporting of the cars to the venue, venue rental, marketing and sales costs, etc. We are also paying marshals, an emergency ambulance team, etc.

Q-How do you see the Philippine motorsport scenario five years hence?

A- In five years, i imagine the Philippines being back in the world map of motorsports, a tourist destination because of racing events, a training ground for both Filipino and Asian race drivers and race mechanics. The latter can aspire to become an international mechanic.

Q-Is there a number racing enthusiasts and possible sponsors could call, in case?

A- Yes. 0928-5044931 and 0918-9648203.