Tiu takes solo lead in dragfest

MANILA, Philippines - Defending champion Jonathan Tiu of JCT-Blanche Racing claimed back-to-back triumphs recently in the third leg the 2011 National Drag Racing Championship Southern Series at the Batangas Racing Circuit Drag Strip in Rosario, Batangas.

With the win, Tiu beefed up his bid for a ninth straight drag racing crown as he now holds solo leadership with 30 points in this event sanctioned by the Automobile Association Philippines and supported by Pagcor Sports, Yokohama Philippines, Racing Beat@Wave 89.1 FM, and Aeromed.

He captured the Quick 8 crown over teammate Anthony Go with Martin Manalo of RSL Motorsports claiming third place after winning the duel against Jerem Cabreros of H3 Ger N Frnds.

But Manalo pulled the biggest triumph when he upstaged both Tiu and Go in clinching the Pro class title. He first turned back Go who eventually took third place.

Luck continued to favor the newcomer Manalo in the final showdown as Tiu committed a breakout, thus automatically handing the surprise win to the former.

Rommel Dural likewise bagged his second consecutive triumph when he ruled the Expert class anew.

He struggled on his way to victory as he prevailed over Marco Endaya of Team Bats-Autokeep to face another strong contender Almin Kiel Isla in the final showdown.

Like Manalo, Dural coasted to an easy triumph as Isla ended with a break-out with Arvin Jay Millet of Astrago Racingworks winding up third place.

Joining the circle of winners were Sherwin Jay Esguerra of SE Racing and Jonas Espino of Intensity Autoclub.

Esguerra clinched the Sportsman title over runner-up Akim Gabriel Cleofe of Alps Racing and third placer Stephen Torres of STEP.

Espino emerged champion in the Hotstreet division following a red light violation by former champ Jeannette Go in the finals, while Ralf Jermaine de Guzman claimed third place after beating Rod Gyro Jimenez of RKV Creekside.

The final leg of the Southern Series is set on May 7. For further details, interested parties may log on to www.brc-clarkspeedway.com and www.batangasracingcircuit.com or contact the BRC secretariat c/o Nelson ayola or Rodini Rivera at (632) 817-2241, 729-5365 or fax 844-7766.