Drag racing on at BRC

MANILA, Philippines - The country’s top drivers try to firm up their respective title bids as they clash in the fourth leg of the Magnolia Purewater National Drag Racing Championship Series at the Batangas Racing Circuit Drag Strip in Batangas today.

Participants from Baguio, Clark, Pampanga and Bulacan go up against those from Laguna, Batangas and Quezon in the event sanctioned by the Automobile Association Philippines.

BRC drag racing director Fil Gulfin has urged participants to come early for the drivers’ briefing and the qualifying time trials just before the race proper starts at 9 a.m.

“We’re happy that more drivers are joining the series which will be more exciting than the past years since the best drivers of the Northern Series will be testing their mettle against the southpaws in this national series,” said Gulfin.

Anthony Go of JCT-Blanche Racing shoots for a crucial win to remain on top in the premier Pro class against teammate and defending champion Jonathan Tiu, who is eyeing a record seventh straight crown in the event backed by San Miguel Corp., Yokohama Tires, Pagcor Sports, Aeromed, Chequered Flag and Stoplight TV.

Leading the title race with 35 points, Go made several adjustments on his car’s set-up to keep up with the power of Tiu’s Mitsubishi Evo 5 and those of other contenders, including Vanni Garcia, Mark Molina and RP’s fastest lady driver When When Dagondon of Vannitec, Ilocano racing brothers Christian and Ed Christopher Go of JCT-Blanche Racing, and Mato Tan of Matonetics.

“This is my biggest chance to win the title. It’s a tough task going up against Tiu who has dominated the event for years. But hopefully the adjustment on the car works well and keep myself on top of the title race,” said Go, who’s just five points ahead of Tiu.

Likewise, Jonathan Young, also of JCT-Blanche Racing, is looking forward to his fourth win in a row in the Expert class against Morris Miranda of Mohspeed, Marlon Villarin of Plus Speed, Gary Dumbrique of Amsturboy, and Ronald Nierras and TJ Pangilinan of Cabspeed.

Also seeking their second straight victories are Sherwin Esguerra of SE Racing against Christian Medina of Autokarera and Alvin Gavino of H3 Motorsports; and Julius Sambayan of Group N-Matonetics in the Hotstreet class up against Carlo John Lirio of Montavita and Vicencio Amado Jr. of Grupo Toyota.

Champions of the Hotstreet and sportsman classes who are Yokohama tires users will receive a 5K Yokohama Gift certificate.

Details: www.batangasracingcircuit.com or contact the Batangas Racing Circuit c/o Nelson Gayola or Rodini Rivera at (632) 817-2241, 729-5365 or fax 844-7766.