Hot cars bound for Manila racing

MANILA, Philippines - More of the Lamborghinis, Benzes, Ferraris, Porsches and BMWs will soon hit the streets of Manila – certainly not via the controversial Port Irene in Sta. Ana, Cagayan.

Around 15 of these exotic vehicles will be flown in, with all the proper taxation and documentation, for the country’s first-ever GT3 Race Manila on June 15 and 16.

Yes, it’s the first GT3 (grand touring) race in the county’s capital.

The ambitious project was put up by GT3 Race Asia, behind Malaysian Prince Tunku Khairul Zaim, and Manila, headed by Mayor Alfredo Lim.

The young and dashing Prince is here to promote the event which is part of the celebration of Philippine Independence Day on June 12.

“This will be good for Manila because it brings excitement to the city. I think Manila is a good place to run a GT3 race,” he said.

Prince Khairul said the two-day event will be a festival with lots of singing and dancing, and not just about the race.

“It will be good publicity for the city,” said the Royal visitor during yesterday’s press launch at Barbara’s inside the walled city of Intramuros.

Rolly Relanes, GT technical specialist, said the race route, a 2.7 km stretch along T.M. Kalaw, P. Burgos, Maria Orosa, Roxas Blvd. and Parade Avenue fronting the historic Quirino Grandstand has already passed the initial check.

“The surface is good, except for some portions or some corners that need new asphalt. We will have the race track fenced and speed corners equipped with break barriers,” he said.

The race, to be held at daytime, will have the participants racing for 15 to 20 laps.

“We’re planning of bringing in 15 cars that can run as fast as 250 kph. We all think Manila is a good place to run. And this will show the world how beautiful the city of Manila is,” said recent GT3 Asia champion Dilantha Malagamuwa.

The foreign entries from Japan, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, Indonesia, Australia and Hong Kong will be given a day of practice and a qualifying run on June 15 leading to the race itself. ESPN is said to be bringing in a crew to cover the races.

Filipino JP Tuason, according to organizers, might race for BMW.

Local racecar enthusiasts are beaming with excitement, and this early there are plans to hold kart races, drag racing or even circuit racing for vintage cars as side events.

“All of us here in Manila are used to just seeing these races on television,” said Mayor Lim, who assured organizers that the city will put its best foot forward for the event.

“As far as road condition is concerned, we are sure that whatever defect our city engineer will take care of it. We will also handle the security and traffic control as well as the safety not just for the racers but spectators,” the mayor added.

“Everything will be taken care of,” said Lim, who also presented the Malaysian Prince with a box of Philippine-made cigars and a key to the city.

“They say Cuban cigars are the best. We say they haven’t tried ours,” said the mayor. “And this key, please use it to open the hearts of the Malaysian people for them to continue to have a harmonious relationship with Filipinos.”

“Sometimes there are conflicting opinions on issues but this can be resolved peacefully,” added Lim.

He did not elaborate.