Intrepid drivers, riders embark on gruelling 24-hr run

MANILA, Philippines - A motley group of top motorcycle riders, champion circuit-racers, actors, actresses, business execs, weekend warriors and regular drivers will be flagged off at 11 p.m. today to embark on a 24-hour, thousand-kilometer North Luzon journey aptly called the Cannonball 1000.

The starting point will be the Widus Hotel and Casino in Clark, Pampanga, with the cast of participants numbering over 500 passing through towns Baloc, Ilagan, Tuguegarao, Aparri, Pagudpud, Laoag, Vigan, La Union, Baguio and Tarlac before coming full circle in Clark.  

Team Ferrari, led by Mark Louise Soong, director of Autostrada Motore Inc. at Bonifacio Global City, was the latest to join the 24-hour ride and will be represented by Tammy Campos and GT champion Enteng Floirendo.

Fil Oil Energy Company, Flying V and the Paragon Group of Companies are the major sponsors of this motorsports adventure, with the backing of Granstar Motors, KTM, Aprilia, Moto Guzzi, Vespa, MV Augusta, Ducati, BMW, Mazda, Jeep, Harley-Davidson and Petron.

Jay Taruc of the GMA 7 documentary show Motorcycle Diaries, also registered and will cover the CB 1000 using his Vespa motorcycle.

Some of the prominent names that recently registered to participate are motorcycle riders Jordan Herrera, Eric Fructuoso, Kristopher Peralta, Robert Ortega Jr., Gary Estrada and Mike Gayoso. Other participants are TV host Danby Henares, actors Richard Gutierrez, Gary Estrada, Albert Martinez, Arnel Ignacio and Dominic Ochoa, actresses Diana Zubiri and Jackie Rice, chef Andrew Lopez, host/model Andy Smith, circuit racers Gaby dela Merced, Renan and Erika Morales, Team Thunderbugs from Bacolod City and Miata Club of the Philippines.

“Everyone’s excited and raring to go,” said organizer Joey Almeda. “I’m sure it will be a motorsports spectacle, what will all those high-end cars and motorcycles riding as one, big group.”