Tiu eyes second win in dragfest

MANILA, Philippines -  The National Drag Racing Championships Southern Series resumes with the staging of the third leg on Saturday with the leading contenders out to firm up their respective bids at the Batangas Racing Circuit Drag Strip in Rosario, Batangas.

Defending champion Jonathan Tiu of JCT Racing seeks a second straight win in his pet Quick 8 division of the event sanctioned by the Automobile Association Philippines and sponsored by M&H, Sparco and Aguila Auto Glass.

After a disappointing setback in the season kickoff, his Quick 8 victory in last leg put him back on track for the coveted Drag Racing Driver of the Year honors.

Meanwhile, Arvin Jay Millet was stripped of the AAP license for allegedly engaging in illegal street races. 

The sanction should serve as a stern warning for other drivers to observe AAP’s safety standards as mandated by the world body FIA.

“Racing in regulated permanent tracks automatically gives our drivers the distinction as professional race drivers,” said Drag Racing director Fil Gulfin.

With Millet out of the picture, Tiu can focus on Vanni Garcia of Vannitec as he tries to boost his title-retention bid. Aside from JCT Racing teammate Jonathan Young, Tiu also expects Allan Ararao, Ryan Quimpo, Rommel Dural to contend for the Quick 8 and M&H crowns.

Millet’s absence also make the battle for premiere M&H Pro class title doubly interesting with Ryan Quimpo, Romualdo Vasquez and last leg’s runner-up Carlo Latayan tipped to dispute the crown.

Others expected to crowd the favorites are Marlon Laroza, Ron Timothy Herrera, Roniel Pasahol, Ronald Fetalvero and Paolo Umali; and Phoebo Anse Perez who’s gunning for a repeat over Jose Maria Katigbak and Carlo Castro in the Hotatreet division.

For details, contact the Batangas Racing Circuit c/o Nelson Gayola or Rodini Rivera at (632) 7295365, Mlobile 0932-8604522 like us on Facebook, www.facebook.com/ Batangas Racing Circuit or check out our website www.batangasracingcircuit.org.