MANILA, Philippines - Dexter Daquigan Team Delta Star Transformer/ VW Santa Monica became overall champion of the Classic Aspirated Cup, using his ever trusted Volkswagen Beetle in completing an astounding championship sweep at the Batangas Racing Circuit recently.
The Volkswagen enthusiast claimed the VW Modified crown by 0.630 of a second over eventual runner-up Francis Villafranca.
Daquigan didn’t have to win the 12th and final leg of the Classic Aspirated Cup after ruling the first 11 races in the series and compiling a huge lead over his pursuers. All he had to do was go through the motions of finishing the final race at the Batangas circuit to seal the crown.
But Daquigan wanted to end the series in a blaze of glory.
The Delta Star Transformer driver and Villafranca gave the fans a big racing treat and the two fought neck and neck all throughout the race, before Daquigan mustered enough burst of speed in the homestretch to beat his rival by less than a second.
“I’m a Volkswagen enthusiast,” confessed Daquigan, who owns a huge collection of the famous German classic car. “I love to drive and go out of town with my Volkswagen Kombi Bus or Beetle. They say it’s ‘kuba’ or a slow car. That’s why people are always amazed to see a Beetle winning in a race. I’m so proud of my bug winning races.”
Everytime he sets out for a race, he always brings his Kombi van, which carries spare parts and other equipment needed for the race. It’s also where he sleeps and enjoys the classic aura of the 70s.
“It’s a van life for me. I do camping and at the same time I race,” said Dexter, who has Thekeygun as his moniker.
As a passionate racer, Daquigan always wants to be a step ahead of his competitors – literally. If he wants it achieved in the finish line, he applies his winner’s mindset right in the preparation phase.
“I do things smartly and I go out there 101 percent ready. I’m always ahead of time. During weekend races, some competitors would arrive Saturday and most on Sunday. As for me, I come on Friday for practice and make sure everything with my car is okay,” he said.