Nissan Exalta breaks mark

The Nissan Exalta GS Superio overshot its target of matching the old mark of 30,586 by an extra 75 kms on its Caltex Havoline odometer as the fourth Pan Philippine Marathon officially signed off yesterday at the Greenbelt parking lot in Makati.

Even before it arrived just before noon, the Exalta had already shattered the previous record at around 12 midnight of Friday in Tagaytay City.

When the Exalta finally arrived at Greenbelt, the sparkling silver sedan that covered Central Luzon, Ilocandia, Visayas and Mindanao during the marathon had a kilometer reading of 30,661.

Makati Mayor Jejomar Binay, Nissan officials Jack Wu, Arthur Wang, Vir Diwa and Tonette Lee were on hand for a grand welcome.

The proof of passage was signed not by a high-ranking official, but by a street vendor. Aida Anbion, who sells papaya, coconut, mangoes and bananas by the roadside, signed the document in the presence of the Exalta’s daredevil crew of drivers and navigators.

The leader of the final drive was navigator Andy Dysangco, whose involvement in the 30-day non-stop run with renowned driver Willie Ingles made it possible for the crew to finish the event in style.

"It was a perfect teamup between man and machine," said Diwa during press conference held at the National Sports Grill.

Others who sacrificed a lot in ensuring the Exalta’s near-flawless run include Willy Avila, Juvy Catajoy, Jun Ramirez, Sonny Joaquin, Chuchie Iriarte, Milo Cacanindin, Boy Fuentes, Bebot Roque, Jay Roque, Andy Ferreira, Robbie David, Denny Riel, Sonny Ariel, Lester Susi and Lester Dizon.

"We could have made it 31,000," boasted Dysangco, "but we were already thinking of the future drivers and navigators who will be given the task of breaking this record."

The same car that made the rounds of the provinces will be on display in Nissan dealers nationwide, according to Diwa.

Among those who made contributions in the run include Goodyear Eagle Ventura tires, Asian Navigation and Tracking System and Joey’s 92.3 FM.

The previous record of 30,586 kilometers was logged by the Sentra Series III in 1995.