Santos grabs solo lead in drag racing

MANILA, Philippines - Pepi Santos of H3 Autoworks uncorked a big upset as he turned back multi-titled champ Jonathan Tiu of JCT-Blanche Racing to rule the second leg of the 2010 Northern Series Philippine Drag Racing Championships recently at the Clark International Speedway.        

It was the second straight triumph for Santos, who now holds solo lead with 30 points in the Quick 8 division of this series sanctioned by the Automobile Association Philippines (AAP) and supported by Yokohama Tires, San Miguel Corp., Pagcor Sports, Aeromed, Chequered Flag and Stoplight TV.

His black Honda hatchback showed big promise from the start as he logged the day’s fastest time of 9.672 seconds in beating the American V8 classic Chevy of equally strong contender John Ryzia of Garage Power to get into the semis.

Later, he upstaged recently crowned Pro class champion Anthony Go of JCT-Blanche Racing to earn the first finals slot.

Tiu, though still shaken by a previous accident, advanced to the semis at the expense of Dolf Santiago and ousted teammate Ed Christopher Go with a fast time of 9.677 to forge an exciting duel with Santos.

However, Tiu’s Mitsubishi Evo 5 slowed down in the final showdown, clocking 12.095 seconds and Santos romped to victory in 11.590 seconds.

Anthony Go registered 11.467 seconds to turn back Ed Christopher Go in the battle for third place. Both later forged a final encounter in the Pro Class but the heavy downpour postponed their titular showdown.

Sharing the limelight with Santos are Lennel Diaz of Mohspeed, Sherwin Esguerra of S.E. Racing and lady driver Jeannette Go of JCT-Blanche Racing.

Diaz copped the Expert crown in 13.942 seconds against Andrew Blas of S.E. Racing with Alvin Gavino of H3 Autoworks claiming third.

Esguerra, using all Yokohama tires, grabbed his second win in the Sportsman class against Vic Mallare of Team Ready and third placer Regie Silva of H3 Autoworks.

Jeannette Go once more reigned supreme in the Hot Street class as she waylaid Genemar Santiago of Tony Llames Racing and third placer Marky Baquiran of KapShop.

Full results: www.batangasracingcircuit.com, Batangas Racing Circuit (Nelson Gayola or Rodini Rivera) at (632) 817-2241, 729-5365 or fax 844-7766.