Tiu seeks title-clinching triumph in drag racing

MANILA, Philippines – Top guns gear up for last ditch efforts to intensify their title campaigns as they head to Batangas for the fifth and penultimate leg of the 2009 San Mig Coffee National Drag Racing Championship-National Trophy Series today at the Batangas Racing Circuit.

Defending champion Jonathan Tiu of JCT-Blanche Racing tackles a make-or-break situation in his title pursuit in this event sanctioned by the Automobile Association Philippines and sponsored by San Miguel Corp., Pilipinas Shell, San Mig Coffee, Yokohama, Pagcor and Aeromed.

Tiu is seeking a crucial win that will virtually hand him his unprecedented sixth straight drag racing crown. But if he fails to make it to the top three, he will end up in a tight title showdown with whoever wins the Quick 8 class between Pepi Santos of H3 Autoworks or Ed Christian Go of Blanche Racing.

He leads the title race with 45 points and all he needs is at least a runner-up finish to virtually capture the crown up against Santos and Go who are tied in second place with 20 points apiece.

But Tiu, who holds the BRC record time of 9.903 seconds, is wary of unexpected turn of events that may spoil his title bid much like the snapped fan belt that left him with no points in the last race.

“Breaking the record would not be a priority in this race, but only when the opportunity allows. What happened in the last leg was really disappointing, and I’m hoping it won’t happen in this crucial stage,” said Tiu.