Gavino snatches Expert crown

MANILA, Philippines - Alvin Gavino of H3 Motorsports foiled John Michael Dumaraos’ bid for a title double when he copped the Expert crown at the start of the National Drag Racing Championship Southern Series at the Batangas Racing Circuit drag strip in Rosario, Batangas recently.

Gavino pulled through with a double breakout, frustrating Dumaraos, who earlier ruled the Quick 8 division, to clinch the win.

Dumaraos, who posted consistent times of 12.45 seconds to beat Victor de Benito of Group N-Matonetics and Don Don Santos on his way to the finals, also clocked 12.452 in the final run but a double breakout, enabled Gavino, who timed 13.895 seconds, to snatch the victory.

Santos turned in a 13.768-second clocking and finished third in the event backed by Pagcor Sports, Yokohama Philippines, Racing Beat@Wave 89.1 FM, Aeromed, and sanctioned by the Automobile Association Philipines.

Akim Gabriel Cleofe of Lowtoys showed the way in the Sportsman class, beating Bong Montero.

Cleofe clocked a fast 14.209 seconds or a second ahead of Montero who settled for the runner-up honors in 15.409 seconds. Aristeo Banaag wound up third in 14.9 seconds.

Meanwhile, the next leg of the Southern series is set March 19, also at the Batangas Racing Circuit Drag Strip.

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