Anton guns for crucial wins in Phl GT second leg

MANILA, Philippines - Castrol-Yokohama champion driver Carlos Anton guns for the crucial wins that will give his title bid a big push this Sunday in the second leg of the 2014 Philippine Grand Touring Championships-Philippine Touring Car Championship Series at the Batangas Racing Circuit.

Anton, the defending Philippine Touring Car champion, drove a masterful race in the opening leg last month, taking his first win of the season in style. He took the pole in qualifying and never looked back, leading the race from flag to flag on board the Ethanworxs-Works Bell Honda FD.

“It’s a great way to start the 2014 season with this win.  The car is running so well and the Advan tires are working their magic,” said Anton, who was followed to the flag by Ethanworxs-R33 teammate Paolo Mantolino.

But his bid in the afternoon’s GT main race ended in misfortune as he was tapped from behind by Jomari Yllana as Anton went past the actor-racer at the R-bend.

He went into a wild spin and was left helpless in the middle of the track.  The chasing pack of the GT 150 cars soon came around the blind corner and Richmond de la Rosa failed to see Anton stopped in the middle of the road, causing him to broadside Anton and ending both their races.

“It happens in racing and Jomari apologized after the incident.  I am just glad Richmond and I didn’t suffer serious injuries in the accident.”  Anton said. 

Anton’s crash left a wild chase for the top step of the podium which teammate Mantolino eventually took.