GT racing up

MANILA, Philippines - Frontrunning John Asuncion tries to make it three-in-a-row as the 2009 Yokohama Philippine GT Championships third leg starts today at the Batangas Racing Circuit in Rosario, Batangas.

Asuncion, parading a Honda Civic, sees a tougher duel against equally strong contenders Paul Henderson Perez, Quincy Buenaflor and William Tan in the quest for Driver of the Year in this event sanctioned by the Automobile Association Philippines and sponsored by Yokohama and Pagcor.

Perez wants to be the rightful heir to the throne of his father Felix Perez who bagged last year’s coveted Driver of the Year award as he also looks forward to clinching the GT 125 crown.

Lito Ignacio, aboard his Toyota Celica, also eyes a second win against Sandy Coronel in the 2009 Yokohama-San Mig Coffee Classic Car Championship supported by San Miguel Corporation, San Mig Coffee and Aeromed.

The 2009 Yokohama-San Mig Coffee Classic Car championship features vintage luxury cars such as the Kharmann Ghia, the Alfa Romeo, the Mini Cooper, the Ford Escort, Volkswagen, the Lotus Replica, the Opel, the 1967 Porsche 912 and the 1965 Porsche 911.

“Nothing yet is sure. Winning this race is crucial to gain the needed edge against the rivals. We’ll check everything to make sure nothing goes wrong or else we’ll find ourselves in a precarious situation in the championship round,” said Asuncion.

Among the other drivers to watch are Monty Buhay and Angelo Parungganan in the GT 200 division, Nicolo Fernandez in the GT 125 class, and first leg winner Emayrson Manaog, Antonio Moncupa and Jerry Villanueva in the GT 300.

Competing drivers will be vying for the crowns in the GT 125, GT 200 and GT 300 divisions as they put their talents and versatility racing using Yokohama tires in the 12-lap morning Sprint race and the 16-lap Main Race in the afternoon.

For further details, interested parties may log on at www.batangasracingcircuit.com or contact the Batangas Racing Circuit c/o Nelson Gayola or Rodini Rivera at (632) 817-2241, 729-5365 or fax 815-1241.