Actor rules Clark drag racing

MANILA, Philippines - Actor Allen Dizon humbled the favorites to capture the Pro class division in the kickoff leg of the 2011 National Drag Racing Championships-Petron Northern Series at the Clark International Speedway in Angeles City in Clark over the weekend.

Dizon, aboard his Toyota, beat Genesis Munsayac of Vannitec in the first round then upset defending Pro class champion Anthony Go of JCT-Blanche Racing in the semis after the fancied Go was slapped with a break-out.

In the showdown for the title, Dagondon quickly romped ahead as Dizon was a bit slower with his time of 12.201. But just like Go, Dagondon also ended with a breakout, thus enabling Dizon to snatch the crown.

A record of 175 entries took part in the event sponsored by Petron, supported by Yokohama Philippines, Chequered Flag, Racing Beat@Wave 89.1 FM, Aeromed, and sanctioned by the Automobile Association Philippines.

Heavy rain, however, forced organizers to postpone the races in the Expert, Sportsman and Hotstreet classes for Jan. 29 at 7 a.m.

Pepi Santos of H3 Autoworx and William Hand also hogged the spotlight with the former setting a new record of 9.247 seconds as the fastest Honda car in the Philippines.

Hand, who made it third in the Quick 8, captured the Super Pro crown after winning the best-of-three battle against Teofilo Cayco of H3 Autoworx.

For details, contact the Batangas Racing Circuit c/o Nelson Gayola or Rodini Rivera at (632) 817-2241, 729-5365 or fax 844-7766.