Lanuza dominates Magnolia dragfest

MANILA, Philippines - Newcome Renier Lanuza survived a tough fight against the top guns to rule the Expert class recently in the penultimate leg of the 2010 Magnolia Purewater National Drag Racing Championship Series at the Clark International Speedway.

Lanuza went through five battles to claim the title in this event sanctioned by the Automobile Association Philippines (AAP) and sponsored by Magnolia Pure Water and supported by San Miguel Corporation, Yokohama Tires, Pagcor Sports, Aeromed, Chequered Flag and Stoplight TV.

Lanuza had a jittery start beating strong contenders Bong Hilario of H3 Motorsports and Sherwin Esguerra of SE Racing during his first two outings.

Then he prevailed over Jeffrey San Diego of Ahra Garage Power and his vintage Camaro to gain a slot into the semis and turned back Kenneth Bayani of Mohspeed clocking 13.483 to arrange a finals showdown with Joselito Tan of Signal.

However, Tan experienced engine problems that forced him to withdraw in the final race, thus giving Lanuza the outright victory.

Sharing the limelight with Lanuza are equally promising newcomers Marc Sy Peng of Tiny Llanes Racing and Joseph Azarcon of Cabspeed.

Peng submitted a fast time of 14.847 seconds to rule the Sportsman class against Omar Wycoco via a breakout while Ryan Santos of H3 Motorsports made it third.

Azarcon prevailed in the Hot Street division with a time of 16.336 seconds to turn back runner-up Julius Sambayan and third placer Boy Francisco. As Hot Street champion using Yokohama Tires, Azarcon eventually won a P5000 worth Gift Certificate from Yokohama Tires.

For 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 844-7766.