Portugal sweeps Yokohama GT, spoils Kaikkonen’s return

MANILA, Philippines - Taysan Batangas Mayor Dondon Portugal banked on determination and presence of mind to buck odds and capture another big sweep recently in the second leg of the 2014 Philippine Grand Touring Car Championships Series at the Batangas Racing Circuit.

Comebacking seasoned veteran Velli-Matti Kaikkonen of Häfele-Tuason Racing proved to be a big challenge but Portugal survived the pressure and a costly incident to rule both the Sprint and GT Main Race of this event which is part of the 2014 BRC Motorsports Championship season presented by Petronas and sanctioned by the Automobile Association Philippines (AAP).

From the start, Kaikkonen was out to wrest control as he stuck close in the morning’s 10-lap Sprint race. But Portugal held on to his post and later pulled ahead to secure victory, clocking 18 minutes, 9.125 seconds or 7.457 seconds ahead of Kaikkonen.

In the afternoon’s GT main race, Portugal quickly pulled ahead to avert a tight encounter but later, an incident nearly gave him an early exit when he lost control and  slid through the gravel gutter and got frozen for a while before getting back in the race. 

That gave Kaikkonen a wide margin that could have ensured his triumph. But for unknown reasons, the Finnish expat slowed down and saw his lead diminish as Portugal went charging fast and got close enough to revive chances for the win.

The big twist came in the final lap. Backmarker Rhaffy Latorre turned to the right to give way to the two fast approaching frontrunning drivers. However, Kaikkonen failed to sway away and was  sandwiched when he hit Latorre and got hit in turn at the back by Portugal who quickly recovered to claim the checquered flag and complete his sweep.

Veteran celebrity racer Jomari Yllana took third place in the Sprint race but took the door early in the GT main race.

completing only three laps.

The GT200 saw Ethanworxs-R33 teammates Paolo Mantolino and defending champion Carlos Anton splitting honors. Anton ended in another frustration when he got hit at the back anew at the turn by Yillana in the Sprint race as Mantolino grabbed the lead and ruled the morning race over Joey Pery.

Again, Anton was hit at the back in the GT Main race that resulted to a badly damaged rear fender. Good thing, his bumper managed to hang on throughout, sparring him from consequences of going back to the pit as he passed Pery and Mantolino to wrest and capture the GT200 plum and continued to work his way up to check in second overall

Even more exciting was the unpredictable battle in the GT150 division where Dindo de Jesus bagged the win in the Sprint race over first leg winner Joel Portugal and third placer Allen Macaraig while Richmond de la Rosa emerged the GT150 champion in the Main Race over Bong Perez and third placer Antonio Rock Moncupa.

Sharing the limelight were Rodney Caballero, Daniel Castaneda and Mr. Joaquin.

Caballero clinched the Open Pro crown over Arvir Gervacio and Borgy Zoleta in the PhilMiniracers Championship Series where Jun Mallari took the title in the Expert class over Anthony Jose; Kenneth Vincent Angala in the Junior division over Aries Padiernos and Anthony Al Cruz in the Newbie division over Michael Santi and Banjo Bautista.

Castaneda emerged Class A champion over Raffy Locsin and Dannie Daquigan in the VW KaFER Cup where Dino de Jesus captured the Class B crown over Armand Salada.

Joaquin dominated the Sparco Bracket Circuit Racing over Al Jeffrey Lacambra and Romeo Belen.

The next leg is set September 26-For more info, interested parties may contact the Batangas Racing Circuit c/o Nelson Gayola or Rodini Rivera at (632) 729-72 41-42, 729-5365 or fax 844-7766, Mobile # 0922 8858410 or like us on Facebook,www.facebook.com/ <http://www.facebook.com/>  Batangas Racing Circuit or check out our website www.batangasracingcircuit.org <http://www.batangasracingcircuit.org/> .