Circuit showdown draws slew of participants

MANILA, Philippines - Over 100 participants saw action in the second leg of the 2013 GT Radial-Circuit Showdown, considered the most successful circuit racing event in decades, last April 6 at the Clark International Speedway.

Thanks to its format, newbies competed against the veterans on equal terms, providing the excitement that made the race “the most sought-after circuit event of its time” with 35 cars on the grid.

Joby Tanseco, Carlo Mojica and Dindo de Jesus made the top 3 in Bracket A, while Edward dela Rosa took Bracket B top honors, followed by Toby Santiago and Richard Bodestyne.

In Bracket C, Francio Co took home the gold while Ferdie Sia and Paolo Martinez followed with less than a hundredth of a second between them.

Bracket D top finishers were GT Radials’ Mark Dy, Don Andaya and Al Lacambra.  Cedric Remo took the win in Bracket E when the ‘2’ rule came into play for his breakout. At second and third were JP Pacres and Leo Candava.

Meanwhile, Marion Mendoza took his maiden win in Bracket F, followed by Arby Andaya and Alking dela Cruz. Posting the fastest time of the day was Carlos Anton, who broke his old track mark of 1:04.673.

The grid races were packed with excitement. Grid A was dominated by Rafael La’O and Eggy Ong as technicality disqualified Mark Thomann.

In Grid B, an oil cooler line in one of the cars burst, leaving oil on the surface and sending cars off the track. When the road cleared, Dindo de Jesus won the gold, followed by Dela Rosa and Michael Co.

In Grid C, Santiago was penalized for his two-lap breakout, which allowed Andaya to take first, Ike Palinar second in his Toyota Starlet and Luigi Cupino third.

The 2013 GT Radial-Circuit Showdown, supported by GT Radial, Staging Lanes Las Piñas, HKS Super Oil, Dixcel, Rota Wheels, Monster Energy Drink, Walter Lights n Sounds, Aguila Auto Glass, Maxspeed, Hardrace, Foil a Car, Runstop Rotors, Egghead and PhiGerma, resumes at the Batangas Racing Circuit on May 4.

More information: www.circuitshowdown.com.