Tiu dominates Northern Series kickoff

MANILA, Philippines - Defending champion Jonathan Tiu made an auspicious start in the Philippine Drag Racing Championship Northern Series, pulling off a double victory in Quick 8 and M&H Super Pro classes at Clark International Speedway in Clark, Pampanga recently.

On board his Nissan R35 that reset the Philippine drag racing all-time fastest record to 8.806 seconds, Tiu clocked 9.075 seconds in turning back TJ Pangilinan and capturing the Quick 8 plum with Allan Ararao finishing third following technical violation on John Ron Atienza.

Tiu, of JCT-Blanche Racing, later registered 9.161 seconds to beat Danes Sarmento and claim the M&H Super Pro champion in the event which drew a record 170 racers and sanctioned by the Automobile Association Philippines and sponsored by Clark International Motor Show (CIMS), M&H, Sparco, Aguila Auto Glass and GT Radials.

Martin Manalo surged ahead in the last 300 meters to nip younger brother Marc and bag the M&H Pro class crown on a 12.457-second clocking.

Marc Manalo, the 2013 Southern Series winner, had to hurdle challenges in the losers’ circle to get back in the title hunt. He took a bye for the first finals slot after turning back John Ryzia of Angeles City Hot Rod Association (AHRA)-Garage Power.

Martin Manalo, on the other hand, sealed the title showdown after winning the semifinal match against Fred Germar, who suffered a breakout.

John Kalaw of H3 Autoworks clocked 11.271 to emerge the M&H Super Pro champion, beating TJ Pangilinan, who timed 13.417 in the other unfinished race with Vanni Garcia of Vannitec placing third.

Meanwhile, drag racing action shifts to the Batangas Racing Circuit Drag Strip for the kickoff of the 2015 Philippine Drag Racing Championship Southern Series on Jan. 31.

For details, contact the Batangas Racing Circuit c/o Nelson Gayola or Rodini Rivera at (632) 7295365, Mlobile 0932-8604522 like us on Facebook, www.facebook.com/ Batangas Racing Circuit.