MANILA, Philippines - Pepi Santos annexed his third straight victory in the Northern Series Philippine Drag Racing Championships, pulling off the feat in a surprising fashion at the Clark International Speedway recently.
Santos bucked a late takeoff then pounced on JCT-Blanche Racing’s Ed Christopher Go’s engine problem to snatch the victory.
Go actually raced away in the first 300 meters of the quarter-mile course but was forced to slow down after a nut on his fuel injection pump loosened, causing oil leaks.
Taking the cue, Santos drove his Honda hatchback past Go en route to victory in 11.921 seconds.
With 45 points, the H3 Autoworks-backed Santos virtually captured the overall Quick 8 crown in the series sanctioned by the Automobile Association Philippines (AAP) and supported by Yokohama Tires, San Miguel Corporation, Pagcor Sports, Aeromed, Chequered Flag and Stoplight TV.
Go managed to reach the finish line in 13.030 seconds for the runner-up honors while When When Dagondon came in third.
Go, however, ruled the postponed second leg Pro class showdown against JCT-Blanche Racing teammate Anthony Go.
Anthony, the new National series Pro champion, lost the match following a red light violation as Christopher romped to victory in 11.176 seconds.
Why Why Dagondon of Vannitec finished third.
The other winners were Jason Kabigting, John Gonzales and Sherwin Esguerra, who received P5,000 worth of Yokohama gift certificates for using all-Yokohama Tires.
Kabigting prevailed in the Expert division over Allan Ararao and Johans Esperson; Gonzales topped the Hotstreet division over James Esteban and Andrew Blas, while Sherwin Esguerra ruled the Sportsman class anew against Ronald dela Cruz and Arvin Millet.
For details, log on to 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.