Esguerra, Young survive rivals in national drag racing

MANILA, Philippines - Little-known Sherwin Jay Esguerra of SE Racing and defending Expert class champion Jonathan Young of JCT-Blanche Racing pulled off close-shave wins against separate rivals recently in the third leg of the 2010 Magnolia Purewater National Drag Racing Championship Series at the Batangas Racing Circuit Drag Strip.

Esguerra got the needed breaks down the stretch to turn back Christian Medina of Autokarera for the Sportsman crown of this event sanctioned by the Automobile Association Philippines and supported by San Miguel Corp., Yokohama Tires, Pagcor Sports, Aeromed, Chequered Flag and Stoplight TV.

They were almost even midway as Medina gained distance later on. Luckily, Medina was slapped with a red light violation as Esguerra was declared champion in their final showdown.

Esguerra clocked 15.646 seconds to rule the Sportsman class. Medina clocked 15.171 seconds.

Alvin Gavino of H3 Motorsports prevailed against former champion Felix Perez of Alps Racing via a break-out triumph to claim third place with a time of 14.045 seconds.

Young, on the other hand, uncorked a great escape over Marlon Villarin of Plus Speed to capture his third consecutive victory in the Expert class.

Young and Villarin registered almost even times as they trounced strong contenders on their trail to the finals.

Young ousted Group N-Matonetics drivers Carlo Evangelista and Victor Sherwin de Benito in 12.587 seconds to claim the first finals slot.

Villarin arranged the final showdown after upstaging former champ Jon Sarmiento of Blanche Racing in the quarters and Eddie dela Roca clocking 13.873.

But Young’s experience prevailed in the end, clocking 13.166 seconds up against Villarin’s time of 13.782 seconds.

Benito took third place after beating Dela Roca with a time of 16.328.

Joining the winner’s circle was Julius Sambayan of Group N-Matonetics who turned back Carlo John Lirio of Montavita for the Hotstreet crown via a red light violation clocking 16.426 seconds.

Vicencio Amado Jr. of Grupo Toyota took third place by red light violation with a time of 16.944 seconds over Edison Romano of Team Ready.

The next leg is set April 17. Champions of the Hotstreet and sportsman classes who are Yokohama tires users will receive a 5K Yokohama Gift certificate.

For full results and other 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.