MANILA, Philippines - Niño Garcia cashed in on the misfortune of rival Paolo Mantolino, who figured in an accident, and won the final Grid A race to capture the championship of Circuit Showdown 2012.
Garcia won the final race of the season ahead of second placer Mato Tan and third placer Rafael La’O.
Grid B honors went to first time winner Carlo Lee, who was followed closely by Eduardo Pujol and Don Andaya. First time winner Sandy de Guzman ruled Grid C over Onyl Malabanan (second) and Lesley Tuazon (third).
The time trials produced some excitement as Mark Young’s HKS GT800 R35, which was tuned by Emperor Motorsports and driven by Carlos Anton, became the fastest road car around the Clark International Speedway, clocking an astounding 2.05.548. Anton did a separate lap in a Honda CRX but was three seconds adrift of his new record.
The effort was followed closely by the Lamborghini Gallardo LP560 Superleggera of Joby Tanseco. The top 3 winners in Bracket B were Ramon de Oteyza, Cholo Mojica and Edward de la Rosa, who drove the Staging Lanes Civic EK hatch named “Pink2”. Mark Sy took front-running honors in Bracket C, followed by Bryan Alonzo and JP Pacres.
The top three in Bracket D were Eduardo Pujol, Bong Brobio and Jerwin Mance. Bracket E saw Ike Palinar, Jonathan Guinto and Francis de los Santos take to the podium. In Bracket F, Edward de la Rosa, in a Chevy Spark, took the win followed by Benedict Gregorio and JM de Leon.
Circuit Showdown 2012 was supported by GT Radial, HKS Super Oil, Rota Wheels, V-Kool, Staging Lanes, Egghead @ Robinsons Galleria, Top Gear Philippines, ACCS, Runstop Rotors, PhilGerma, Dixcel Brake Pads, Foil A Car, ECW Performance, Monster Energy Drink, Coca Cola and Kotse.com.
Visit www.circuitshowdown.com for more information.