Drag Racing series third leg up in Clark

MANILA, Philippines - The Philippine Drag Racing Championship Northern Series holds its third leg tomorrow with the country’s top drag racers clashing for top honors at the Clark International Speedway in Pampanga.

Former US servicemen William Hand and John Ryzia of the Angeles City Hot Rod Association (AHRA)-Garage Power try to duplicate their victories in the last leg with their respective American V8 muscle cars as they gun for the solo lead in their respective divisions.

Hand tries to nail a second straight win in the Quick 8 aboard his Blue Haze, a fiberglass replica of the 1932 Ford Roadster, while Ryzia hopes to make it another 1-2 finish with his classic Camaro named Thunder while seeking a big victory in the premier M&H Pro class. 

Defending champion Jonathan Tiu of JCT-Blanche Racing also aims to atone for his lackluster performance in the first two legs with an explosive showing in a bid to bounce back into strong contention for the season’s overall crown in the event sanctioned by the Automobile Association Philippines and sponsored by M&H, Sparco, Aguila Auto Glass and GT Radials.

In the last Clark race, Tiu was ousted early in Quick 8 but struck back at Hand by winning the M&H Super Pro plum. But Tiu struggled anew and took the exit twice in the second leg of the Southern Series at the Batangas Racing Circuit in both the Quick 8 and M&H Pro classes and settled for third.

With Hand and Ryzia eyeing to score a repeat, Manalo tries to preserve his lead in the premiere M&H Pro class while Tiu is raring for a big rebound, ensuring a title, spirited battle for honors.

Focus will also be on Arvin Jay Millet of TEMZ, who is aiming for his third M&H Pro victory after ruling the premiere class in the past two races at Clark and Batangas. Another victory will net the 20-year-old ace from Tarlac the overall lead while firming up his bid for the overall Drag Racing Driver of the Year.

Meanwhile, last leg winner Allen Roldan, Jannery Millet and Arvin’s 16-year-old younger brother Chris Jayson Millet are tipped to dispute the Expert division crown.