Team NCR unveils new race car

CEBU, Philippines - The members of Team No Care Racing (NCR) formally unveiled their newest race car, a GP Turbo Toyota Starlet, brimming with confidence of not only making an impression in local racing circuit but also to bolster their campaign for the overall championship as the fourth leg of the Philippine Autocross Championship Series revs off this weekend at the Parkmall carpark.

"The car has been lightened and we have augmented its power. Hopefully it can perform better. We also hope that this will be a successful project for Team NCR," said Philip Khan "Lik-Lik" Lim of Team NCR during a news conference yesterday at Chika-an Restaurant in Parkmall.

"We designed it to improve its level of competitiveness and set past the time in every category it will be joining in. Given the preparations we had, this car has gone a really long way from where it was in its original state," butted in Lim's teammate Jong King, Team NCR's brightest prospect who is currently at third place in the battle for the coveted "Driver of the Year" accolade.

Alan "Big Al" G. Choachuy, one of the founding members of Team NCR, said this weekend's race will be a litmus test on the capability of their latest venture.

"This coming race will be the testing ground for our new car although I can guarantee its full potential next year," said Choachuy.

While the GP Turbo is the car to watch out for in the modified division, Team NCR expects its ever reliable Cherry QQ to steal the show in the stock category.

Chery QQ, with Dennis Corro behind the wheels, is set to defend its title in the Novice Stock A. Powered by a 1100cc engine, it was the most feared stock car during the previous leg two months ago also at Parkmall. Aside from being cheap and small, it has already proven its engine reliability.

Meanwhile, event organizer Jong Uy of Racing Line said over 60 racers are all set for action in the penultimate round of the five-leg series.

Supported by Dewfoam, DuraBend Pipes, PTT, Total, Sunsport, and ALDO Service Center/Onitsuka, Team NCR is at the forefront of all the entries with the biggest number of registered drivers.

It's anybody's game though as Uy said they made some changes on the race course because of the construction of a terminal at the back of Parkmall.

"The track layout is more technical but when you say autocross, it's always technical. It's the driving skills that matters," said Uy.

Uy also revealed that for the final leg on December 11, they are doubling the points that will be earned by the top performers - 20 for the champion, 16 for the second placer and 12 for the third.

"We will double the points of the top finishers in the final leg so this weekend's race will be a crucial stage as it will be the turning point of the championship round," said Uy. "With that, it's still mathematically possible for those who are lagging behind in the overall race for the 'Driver of the Year' to catch up with the current leaders," Uy added.

Glancing at the official standings, David Lim of DGL Racing is on top the heap with 26 points followed by Mato Tan with 16 and Jong King of Team NCR with 14. Rounding up the top 13 are Randy Paray (11), David Lim, Jr. and Justin Neri (8), Jess Garcia (7), Blake Go (5), Louie Blanco and Peterson Lim (4), Jed Neri (5), and Neil Labrador (2). – THE FREEMAN