MANILA, Philippines - In the spirit of spotsmanship, multi-titled racing champ Jody Coseteng of Eagle Cement Racing Team accepted the decision of the Panel of Stewards nullifying his sweep recently in the June 2 race of the 2013 Yokohama Philippine Grand Touring Car Championships at the Batangas Racing Circuit.
The panel of stewards composed of chairman Dennis Ayuyao and members Popong Andolong and Jun Espino released the decision June 11 after Coseteng was found to have failed the dyno test – a violation of Art. 16 (k) of the Philippine Grand Touring Championship 2013 sporting and technical regulations.
The test showed that Coseteng’s car power registered 306 hp, which exceeds the 300 hp standard limit for cars competing in the GT300 class.
As a result, he was stripped of the points earned for the race, giving Dwight Kevin Carlos and South Korean Peter Kim the outright victories in the GT300 Sprint race and the GT300 Main races, respectively.
The event was sanctioned by the Automobile Association Philippines and sponsored by official oil Petronas Lubricants, official tire Yokohama, and media partners Racing Beat@Wave 89.1 and Inside Motoring on DZRJ 810khz.
With the decision, Kim now holds solo leadership in the GT300 division with 100 points with Coseteng at second with 60.
“It was not intentional. We were only over by 6hp. But rules are rules so I have no reason not to accept the decision. More often, things don’t go perfect when rushed. We don’t have much time then to check if our engine set-up was within the standard horsepower range, it may go higher or lower,†Coseteng explained.
“Our only concern was, the dyno test was not done in the racetrack as the rules stated. It was conducted in Manila several days after the race and conditions were much different. The reading would be more accurate if the dyno test was done based on the racing conditions of the racetrack right after the race itself,†he added.
Coseteng said he didn’t push his right to appeal the case to preserve the integrity of the event.