Top drivers rev up for national dragfest

MANILA, Philippines - The National Drag Racing Championships fires off its new season on Saturday with the country’s finest drivers vying for top honors at the Clark International Speedway.

On tap are the northern series at Clark and the southern series at the Batangas Racing Circuit with the combined points from both series to determine the drag racing driver of the year winner.

“This will take local drag racing to a different level as participants will have to test their endurance, strategy and versatility in adjusting their car set-ups for the two equally challenging tracks,” said drag racing director Fil Gulfin.

The northern series features four legs with the next set Feb. 19. The third and fourth legs will be held on April 30 and June 4. 

The southern series, on the other hand, kicks off on Feb. 5 with the other races slated on March 19, April 9 and May 14.

The series is sponsored by San Miguel Corp., Yokohama Philippines, Chequered Flag, Racing Beat@Wave 89.1 FM, Aeromed, and sanctioned by AAP.

It will also feature the four-cyclinder vehicles against the American muscle V8 cars with defending champion Jonathan Tiu of JCT-Blanche Racing seeking an eighth national title against the Camaros and Chevrolets of Clark-based former US servicemen John Ryzia, Steve Caldwell and William Hand.