Local race fanatics get the chance to see US-based Filipino Lance Feliciano in action as he participates in the first Race Wars Philippines 2008 this weekend at the Clark Expo inside the Clark Economic Free Port Zone.
The son of former rally driver Larry Feliciano, the 21-year-old Filipino is fast making a name for himself on the tracks after becoming the first and youngest Filipino to be issued a professional license in Drifting, or Formula D for Americans.
Feliciano became eligible to compete at the age of 19, the youngest driver to be giving such privilege, and is currently just one of 38 professional Formula D drivers in the US today.
Feliciano was accompanied by his father, Whiz Oil representative Jerry Man and Jeri Lee, currently the hottest US race queen, at the PSA Forum Tuesday.
“I hope the people will come out and watch the competition especially those who love car races. You will definitely enjoy it,” said Feliciano of his first drifting stint here in the country.
Aside from being influenced by his father, Feliciano said he developed a liking for the sport by watching the popular ‘drifting’ videos from Japan.
Incidentally, Japan stages drifting races called D1 Grand Prix Series, similar to the Formula D drifting series in the US.
“Drifting involves precision. One should think very fast and be fully committed,” Feliciano added.
Aside from Drifting, the first Philippine Race Wars also features slalom races, autocross, drag racing and car display.
Supported by Whiz Oil, LF Performance and Von Braven Corp., Feliciano started joining amateur events in 2005.
In 2006, he competed in the Pro-Am event and bested the best 55 to 60 drivers in the whole of West Coast at the Irwindale, Speedway. He then represented the West Coast to Laughlin in Las Vegas and finished second overall in the Nationals.
“There, only four drivers were able to get their professional license and I was one of them,” Feliciano recalled.
Last year, he participated in several exhibitions around the U.S. and is currently doing the same stint in New York.