Go gains plum in racing comeback

CLARK , Philippines  – Anthony Go of JCT-Blanche Racing staged an impressive comeback to claim the spotlight recently in the combined 2010 National Drag Racing Championship kickoff and the second leg of the 2010 Philippine Drag Racing Championship-Northern Series at the Clark International Speedway here.

It was the first major win for Go, who turned back teammate Ed Christopher Go for the Pro class title.

The event is sanctioned by the Automobile Association Philippines and supported by San Miguel Corporation, Pilipinas Shell, Yokohama, Pagcor, Aeromed, Hastings Motor Corporation, Inside Racing and Stoplight TV.

Losing against Vannitec’s Mark Molina in the first round, Anthony actually came back from the losers’ bracket where he turned back retired serviceman Steve Caldwell of Ahra Garage Power and his crowd favorite Chevy to gain the slot as a wild card entry.

He advanced to the semifinals clocking 11.736 seconds against lady driver When When Dagondon of Vannitec to forge a final showdown against Ed Christopher Go who, in turn, beat Molina with a time of 11.741 seconds.

Posting nearly similar clockings, the crowd geared up for a very close fight for the crown. However, Ed Christopher lapsed into a breakout as Anthony Go completed his comeback trail with a time of 11.652 seconds for the big win.

Ed Christian Go, the defending Pro class champ, wound up third.

“That was probably the hardest thing I’ve ever done in racing. After losing the first round, I’ve almost given up hope. But making it as a wild card entry rekindled that fighting spirit so I gave it my best to reach the finals and win the race,” said Anthony Go.

Despite her loss, Dagondon earned the distinction as the “RP’s Fastest Lady Driver” when she registered a new fastest all-motor Honda single cam record of 12.065 seconds.

Ed Christian Go, on the other hand, vented his ire in the Quick 8 division where he went blazing with a fast time of 10.325 seconds to prevail over Mark Molina who chipped in 11.859 seconds in their final encounter.

Mato Tan of Vannitec took third place.

Ed Christian Go’s exciting triumph over Molina more than made up for the early departure of defending champion Jonathan Tiu and first leg Pro class winner John Ryzia of Ahra Garage Power who were tagged as the top favorites but unfortunately suffered engine problems.

Even Drag Racing director Fil Gulfin got good responses over the new rule, which was intended to balance the percentage of the driver’s skills and the power of the car.

“Aside from giving more drivers equal chances for the crown, this is the first time that the drivers’ skill was given equal importance with the preparation of the car,” Gulfin explained.

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.