Rodriguez, Tan shine in Hyundai lateral drift

MANILA, Philippines - Gio Rodriguez posted back-to-back victories to rule the pro division while Robert Tan bounced from a setback to rule the second round in the amateur class of the Hyundai Lateral Drift Championship at the Megatent in Libis, QC recently.

Rodriguez put up a sterling performance in Round 1 to the delight of the big crowd with sole lady drifter Tintin David, who moved up to the pros after finishing fourth in last year’s championship division, finishing second. 2011 champion and last year’s runner-up Audel Sison of Team Autocraft Drift placed third.

A spearhead of Team ATOY Customs, Rodriguez re-displayed his winning form in Round 2, besting six-time Lateral Drift titlist Alex Perez of Team Yellow Cab Drift and Boodie Dabasol of Team Turbo Cafe in a Nissan S14 Silvia.

Singaporean Cedric Cabanero upstaged the local field to top Round I of the amateur divisions with Tan and Mark Bernardo taking the next two places. But Tan struck back and ruled Round 2, beating EJ Malibiran from Team Drift MOB in his red 1st Gen Toyota Celica, and Bernardo.

Gracing the event were D1 Grand Prix drifter Kimihiro Obata and wife Formula Drift driver Hiromi Kajikuma, who did not only act as judges but also instructors. The duo demonstrated their skills in a 2013 Hyundai Genesis Coupe 2.0L with high-speed drifts and burnouts courtesy of Safffiro Tires by Concept One.

Round 3, meanwhile, will be held Sept. 28 with details to be posted on Hyundai Philippines and Lateral Drift Productions Facebook Page.

The event is powered by the Genesis Coupe and co-presented by Standard Insurance and Wave 89.1 FM. Other sponsors include Atoy Customs, Dickies Clothing, Barney’s Burger, and Aguila Auto Glass, with media partners Auto Review, Creator Studio, Gadgets Magazine, Kotse.com, Power Wheels Magazine, Motorcycle Magazine, Sprocketph.com, Stoplight TV, The Manila Times, The Philippine Daily Inquirer, Top Gear Philippines.