MANILA, Philippines - Multi-titled champion Jonathan Tiu of JCT-Blanche Racing stood strong to the end as he captured his second straight victory recently in the kickoff of the 2012 Philippine Drag Racing Championships Southern at the Batangas Racing Circuit drag strip in Rosario, Batangas.
The six-time national champ went unopposed as his teammate Anthony Go failed to suit up in their finals showdown due to mechanical problems, thus handing Tiu the victory in the Quick 8 division of this event sanctioned by the Automobile Association Philippines and sponsored by Yokohama, M&H Race Master, HKS Motor Oil and powered by Racing Beat@Wave 89.1.
Defending champion Martin Manalo of RSL Motorsports, who was booted out by Tiu in the semifinals, took third place after turning back DJ Luansing of Speedworks.
It could have been a double win for Tiu but Manalo spoiled his plans when the latter bagged the M&H Pro crown.
Spectators were looking forward to an exciting duel but the thrill quickly subsided as Tiu succumbed to a red light violation while Manalo marched his way to the finish line clocking 12.821 seconds in the quarter-mile race.
Arvin Jay Millet of TEM2 also claimed his second straight triumph, surviving the close fight against Jeremie Cabreros of H3 Autoworks for the Expert class title with Dondon Santos of Street Tuners settling for third place.
Sharing the limelight were Jude Kenneth Carrido of LEM and Dennis Pernes of TMC.
Carrido copped the HKS Sportsman crown with a time of 15.782 seconds over runner-up John Carlo Cordero and third placer Angelo Mendoza.
Pernes, on the other hand, prevailed over runner-up Darell Bautista and third placer Christopher Gonzales for the Hotstreet title.
For further details, interested parties may contact the Batangas Racing Circuit c/o Nelson Gayola or Rodini Rivera at (632) 729-72 41-42, 729-5365 or fax 844-7766, Mobile # 0922 8858410.