Floirendo, Coseteng brace for title clash

MANILA, Philippines - Defending champion Vincent Floirendo and multi-titled Jody Coseteng gear up for a battle royale for the coveted Driver of the Year plum in the season finale of the Yokohama Philippine GT Championship Series at the Clark International Speedway in Pampanga on Sunday.

The country’s top two drivers are expected to spring a surprise over the other in pursuit of the overall crown in the event sanctioned by the Automobile Association Philippines.

Only four points separate the two after their campaigns in the first five legs of the series sponsored by Official Tires Yokohama, Official Oil Torco Racing Oil and Racing Beat@Wave 89.1.

Floirendo swept both the Sprint and GT Main Race in the last leg at Batangas to wrest the solo lead with 217 points while Coseteng tallied 213.

In the battle for the GT300 crown, both are tied with 217 points.

Out to spoil their bid are Arnel Carlos, rookie Stefano Marcelo, Dwight Kevin Carlos and Jojo Silverio.

Carlos is in third with 130 while Marcelo has 100 points although he remains a doubtful starter pending the completion of his car, which is still under repair. Dwight Kevin Carlos is in fifth with 97 while Silverio is in sixth, reeling from his disqualified runs in the third leg and his absence in the last race.

Arnel Carlos is also eyeing the GT200 crown with 226 points against his son Dwight Kevin who has 222 points. Willie Torres is in third with 110 while Korean Micky Kim of TRS-Castrol has 72 points for fourth.

Others vying for title in their respective divisions are Don Don Portugal, the Mayor of Taysan, Batangas who leads the GT130 class with 200 points with Ross Jackes of Castrol-TRS assembling 65 points.