Phl sets stage for Nascar races at BRC

MANILA, Philippines - A new era in motorsports tourism in the country was launched yesterday through the Asian V8 Championship Series to be held from April to June at the Batangas Racing Circuit.

Tom Pastor, founder of the Philippine Formula Autosports Foundation, is behind the country’s bid to become the newest hub for late model NASCAR races in Asia.

“In the sixties, the Philippines was the first to host Grand Prix races. We were the pioneer, ahead of the other Asian countries,” he said during the press launch at Resorts World Manila.

But things came to a halt and Pastor said it’s about time to put the Philippines back in the map.

“Today we ink a very important task to bring back our beloved Philippine motorsports on track,” added the gray-haired motor racing devotee.

“This is for all the motorsport industry to see,” said Pastor, who brought in eight NASCAR vehicles that will serve as competitive training vehicles here in the country.

These cars cost a fortune at $80,000 to $100,000 each. They come with 5.7 liter heavy V8s, four-speed gear boxes and slick tires for high-speed (230 to 280 kph) oval races.

Foreign riders from countries like Japan, Australia, Malaysia, Thailand and Macau are coming over for the initial races on the first weeks of April, May and June.

The top drivers will earn slots to American and European NASCAR events.

Also gracing the launch were Enzo Pastor, the only Filipino competitor in NASCAR races today and veteran of five Macau Grand Prix events, Resorts World Manila boss Stephen Riley, Asia Formula Autosports Foundation trustee Ted Toleman and Automobile Association of the Philippines chief Gus Lagman.

Mark Lapid, former governor of Pampanga and now chief operations officer of the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority, also threw his full support to the project that will run on a five-year program.

Lagman said representatives from the FIA (Federation Internationale de l’Automobile) were in the country recently to inspect the track.

“The track has been used many times for many years now and it’s compliant with FIA rules and regulations. FIA people came over to inspect the track. It’s compliant,” he said.

Once it goes full speed, the Asian V8 Championship Series will open more doors for the tourism industry as it is “a very accessible playground for racing” among Asians in particular.

The younger Pastor, also a touring car and F3 standout, will carry the fight for the Philippines. He said being on home soil will give him the edge against the foreigners.

“It’s my homecourt. I don’t see any reason why I would lose,” said the 31-year-old Filipino, who aired his excitement with first NASCAR races in the Philippines.

“This puts us back in the racing map,” he said.