Perez, Tan split GT honors

MANILA, Philippines - Paul Henderson Perez and William Tan split honors as frontrunning John Asuncion made a no show recently in the third leg of the 2009 Yokohama Philippine GT Championships at the Batangas Racing Circuit.

Tan dictated the tempo at the start as he ruled the 11-lap Sprint Race of this event sanctioned by the Automobile Association Philippines and sponsored by Yokohama, Pagcor, San Miguel Corp., San Mig Coffee and Aeromed.

He clocked 21 minutes, 52.715 seconds to claim the title in the GT 200 class over JP Tuason of the Ford-Tuason Racing Team.

Perez checked in second overall 10.155 seconds behind Tan to rule the GT125 over Nicolo Fernandez, who came in third overall, and third placer Dominic Samson.

Emayrson Manaog made it fourth overall in the race as he also captured the GT 300 crown over Leo Anthony San Juan.

But an unfortunate twist in the afternoon’s 16-lap Main Race spoiled Tan’s bid for a sweep and put Perez into the spotlight. Tan controlled the lead during the first three laps when an engine overheat later forced him out of the race.

From there, Perez took over the top spot and held on to his post all the way to the finish line clocking 32 minutes and 2.750 seconds to complete a sweep in the GT 125 division.

Fernandez, who posted the fastest laptime of 1:59.016, checked in 5.881 seconds behind Perez for the GT 125 runner-up finish with Stuart MacDonald claiming third place.

Manaog finished third overall for the GT 300 triumph over San Juan while Tuason bagged the GT200 crown over Tan.

For full results and other details, interested parties may log on at www.batangasracingcircuit.com or contact the Batangas Racing Circuit c/o Nelson Gayola or Rodini Rivera at (632) 817-2241, 729-5365 or fax 815-1241.