Tiu, Manalo dominate dragfest opener

MANILA, Philippines - Jonathan Tiu and Martin Manalo renewed their drag racing rivalry as they dominated their respective classes at the start of the 2015 National Drag Racing Championship Southern series at the Batangas Racing Circuit Drag Strip in Rosario, Batangas recently.

Tiu, the multi-titled defending national champion of JCT-Blanche Racing, drew solid support from comebacking teammate Jonathan Young and went on to rule the Quick 8 class while Manalo, the reigning M&H Pro winner, got a big lift from brother Marc to pocket his second M&H Pro crown this season in the event sanctioned by the Automobile Association Philippines and sponsored by Clark International Motor Show (CIMS), M&H, Sparco, Aguila Auto Glass and GT Radials.

After beating Jeff Cruz in the opening round, Tiu toppled Young in the semis en route to clinching the Quick 8 crown.

Vannitec’s rising bet Afillan Ararao humbled Martin Manalo in their first round encounter but Marc Manalo avenged his brother’s defeat by waylaying Ararao in the semis to forge a duel with Tiu.