Tiu, Manalo rule drag racing's Southern series

MANILA, Philippines - Multi-titled national champion Jonathan Tiu of JCT-Blanche Racing and defending champion Martin Manalo of RSL Motorsports topped their respective events to share the spotlight in the Philippine Drag Racing Championships Southern Series at the Batangas Racing Circuit recently.

Tiu, seeking his seventh national crown, turned back Edison Cayco of H3 Autoworks to capture the Quick 8 title while Manalo topped the M&H Pro class where he humbled Tiu and Cayco.

Tiu had to beat Jefferson Cruz of Linkage then held off Ace San Agustin of H3 Autoworks to barge into the finals with a time of 11.041 seconds.

Cayco likewise came up with a solid stint, upstaging Manalo in their first duel then thwarted H3 Autoworks teammate John Kalaw to set up the final showdown with Tiu with 12.047 seconds.

But Tiu maximized the power of his Evo5 as he timed a fast 10.318 seconds to beat Cayco’s 12.319 and firm up his hold of the lead with his third straight victory in the Quick 8 class.

Manalo, meanwhile, managed to stay within distance for the crown with a victory in the M&H Pro division. He advanced as Cayco bowed out with a breakout violation in their semifinal duel in the event sanctioned by the Automobile Association Philippines and sponsored by GT Radial, HKS Motor Oil, M&H Race Master, Yokohama and powered by Racing Beat@Wave 89.1.