Dagondon keeps roarin’ forward

The triumph of Vannitec’s When When Dagondon in the kickoff of the 2008 San Mig Coffee Drag Racing Championship heralded the dawn of competitive female drivers in Philippine drag racing that has been dominated by men for years.

Dagondon was just one of the three women in the field of nearly 100 drivers who joined the kickoff of this event sponsored by San Mig Coffee and supported by San Miguel Corporation, Pilipinas Shell, Casino Filipino, Denso, Eibach Spring and Stoplight TV. The other two were Jeannette Go of Team Ere and Anatalia Almario of Team Ready.

When When created a big impact as “Fastest Woman of Philippine Drag Racing” when she captured the Pro title clocking 12.440 seconds,  beating Team Ere’s Anthony Go who clocked 12.863 seconds in the eight-leg series sanctioned by the Automobile Association of the Philippines. 

While she admits drag racing proves to be an effective stress reliever, When When disclosed her involvement in motorsport is more of an advocacy than just a hobby.

“My parents allowed me to join this event on the condition that I will keep off illegal races.  That means, I’m not supposed to join, watch or even place a bet on illegal drag races,” said Dagondon, a single mom who works as credit and audit manager of their own family business.

“That’s the advocacy I want to promote.  Save lives by saying ‘No to illegal drag races’.  Likewise I want to encourage more women into safe racing and prove that we can also excel in this male-dominated sport,” she added.

This self-confessed daddy’s girl got into drag racing in 2002, fulfilling the frustrations of her father who’s a big car racing fan.  Holding a PDRF record of 11.4 seconds in Cebu, she looks forward to a bigger career milestone this season.

“Winning the season opener is a big accomplishment but my real target this year is to establish the fastest single cam turbo record recognized by the AAP. Right now, we’re setting up a lighter car with an excellent engine set-up to achieve that target in one of the legs at the new Clark racetrack,” When When revealed.

“I’m more confident with my car’s set-up this season.  Unlike last year when I hit the pit wall, the mechanics separated the front brakes from the back, making the controls much easier for me.”

“I’m looking forward to another big win in the next leg on February 23, and hopefully capture the overall crown at the end of the series,” she further added.

For inquiries on the event, interested parties may log on at www.batangasracingcircuit.com or contact the Batangas Racing Circuit c/o BRC Operations Manager Rodini Rivera or Nelson Gayola at (632) 817-2241, 729-5365 or fax 815-1241 for details.