Go, Tiu share lead in national drag racing

CLARK, Philippines – Anthony Go of JCT-Blanche Racing pulled off an impressive triumph to gain a share of the lead with defending champion Jonathan Tiu recently in the penultimate leg of the 2010 Magnolia Purewater National Drag Racing Championship Series at the Clark International Speedway.

Go caught Tiu at the helm with 60 points apiece in this event sanctioned by the Automobile Association Philippines (AAP). Go not only had to contend with Tiu but also faced up to the challenge of retired US servicemen Steve Caldwell and John Ryzia on board American V8 muscle cars in the event sponsored by Magnolia Pure Water and supported by San Miguel Corporation, Yokohama Tires, Pagcor Sports, Aeromed, Chequered Flag and Stoplight TV.

He turned back Caldwell first and got into the finals by default over Norman de la Peña.

Caldwell, on the other hand, bounced back from the losers’ bracket and made it as a wildcard entry over Ryzia in the semifinals with a clocking of 12.451 seconds to arrange a showdown with Go.

But Go was dominating in the title duel, clocking a fast 11.702 seconds to rule the premiere Pro class over Caldwell who submitted a time of 12.354 seconds.

Ryzia eventually ended third.

Tiu was hoping to seal a historic seventh straight drag racing crown but his bid was spoiled by a mishap during practice run that forced him to drop out of the event.

It was dela Peña who captured the Quick 8 plum after beating Ilocos pride Ed Christopher Go in the finals with a time of 10.827 seconds.