Tiu powers 1-2-3 punch in dragfest

MANILA, Philippines - Defending champion Jonathan Tiu prevailed anew as he powered a 1-2-3 sweep for JCT-Blanche Racing recently in the fifth and penultimate leg of the 2009 San Mig Coffee National Drag Racing Championship-National Trophy Series at the Batangas Racing Circuit.

This time it was no easy cruise for Tiu, who encountered engine problems in the early goings.

The problems came right after he beat Vanni Garcia of W. Autosport-Vannitec in 10.061 seconds in the first match. But teammates Anthony Go and Walter Pazon gave way in the quarterfinal and semifinal rounds, respectively, as he could only post poor time (20.622 seconds) before clinching the Quick 8 crown 16.531 seconds on a solo run.

Pazon took the runner-up honors while Blanche Racing’s Ed Christian Go wound up third.

The event is santioned by the Automobile Association Philippines and sponsored by San Miguel Corporation, Pilipinas Shell, San Mig Coffee, Yokohama, PagCor and Aeromed.

The race also turned into a family affair as husband-wife pair of Anthony and Jeannette Go bagged the titles in their respective divisions.

Anthony ruled the Pro class clocking 12.463 seconds in the final showdown against Ed Christian Go who committed a red light violation with a time of 15.389 seconds while Pazon ended third.

Jeannette dominated over her male rivals anew, winning over Ralph Montalbo of Montavita in a double breakout situation while Jericson de Jesus wound up third with 16.408 seconds.

After losing the Quick 8 crown, Vanni Garcia had a smooth sail in clincing the Expert title with a time of 13.156 seconds.

After points leader Jonathan Young of JCT-Blanche Racing got ousted in the first round, Garcia worked his way up turning back Topher Esguerra of Just Racing in the first round and Junmar Tabalno in the quarterfinals to arrange a semifinal match against Jon Porto and his fast Volkswagen.

But Porto, who had a fast time of 12.905, was slapped with a red light violation as Garcia romped to victory.

Tabalno wound up third with a time of 13.839 seconds.

Jon Sarmiento of Blance Racing ruled the Sportsman class clocking 14.138 seconds over runner-up Ronald Galang of VYAS Auto Shop and third placer Louie Montalbo of Montavita.

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.