Cayco, Manalo reign in Petron northern series

ANGELES CITY, Philippines – Teoofilo Edwin Cayco of H3 Autoworks pulled off a double victory as Martin Manalo of RSL went on with his giant-killing ways recently in the third and penultimate leg of the Petron Northern Series-2011 National Drag Racing Championship at the Clark International Speedway here. 

With the top guns bogged by problems, Cayco took a short trail to capture both the Quick 8 and Super Pro classes of this event sponsored by Petron, supported by Yokohama Philippines, Racing Beat@Wave 89.1 FM, Aeromed, and sanctioned by the Automobile Association Philippines.

In the Quick 8 division, five qualifiers suffered car problems including H3 Autoworks teammate Pepi Santos who registered a fast 9.5 second-run during the qualifying round.

Cayco made a solo run in the semifinals and arranged a final showdown with Peng Diaz of Tony Llames Racing who timed 12.022 seconds against Santos’ 12.318.

However, Cayco was more consistent as he clocked 11.595 seconds against Diaz who posted 12.488 seconds, and later ran uncontested in the Super Pro class.

Manalo, on the other hand, clinched his second consecutive triumph in the Pro class after ruling the same class in the Southern leg series at the Batangas Racing Circuit Drag Strip last month.

He turned back Edison Cayco of H3 Autoworks in the final duel while Carlo Jacinto of HP Racing took third place by default.

Upsets also marred the other races as the ace drivers of JCT-Blanche Racing led by defending eight-time champ Jonathan Tiu, reigning Pro champ Anthony Go and former Hotstreet titlist Jeannette Go all suffered mechanical troubles.

Mark Galamay of H3 Autoworks stunned long-time competitor Mark Buquid of Team-Rapide Batangas to claim the Expert crown while Jonathan Young ended third to be the lone JCT-Blanche Racing driver to gain a podium finish.

Winning the other titles are Pat Hernandez H3 Autoworks and Cocoy Alberto of Speed Mode.

Hernandez went through a long struggle coming from the loser’s circle to exact his big revenge over his first tormentor JB Nassef of Team Ready redlight violation for the Sportsman title with H3 Autoworks’ TJ Pangilinan finishing third.

 Alberto copped the Hotstreet division over Jude Kenneth Carrido of Montavita-LEM Montavita and third placer Andrew Manio.

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