MANILA, Philippines - Newly crowned Yokohama Philippine Grand Touring (GT) champion Victor “Dondon” Portugal expressed his deep gratitude for the prestigious recognition from the Philippine Sportswriters Association during the 2015 PSA Annual Awards Night recently held at 1Esplanade of the SM Mall of Asia.
Portugal, the incumbent Municipal Mayor of Taysan, Batangas, was PSA’s choice as lone recipient of a citation trophy for his milestone achievement that best exemplifies excellence in the field of Philippine Motorsports, particularly car racing.
To be bestowed the PSA citation is something he never thought possible as he admits to be overwhelmed with joy while receiving the trophy that from now on will serve as an inspiration and constant reminder to continue living the passion and be the best in the chosen field.
“It was just surreal to be included in the 2014 circle of top sports achievers feted in the so-called “Oscars of Philippine Sports”. Thanks you very much PSA for choosing me as the Best in Motorsports this year,” said Portugal who will be aiming for a congressional seat for the 4th District of Batangas in the coming 2016 polls,
“This PSA citation will also serve as my driving force to formulate laws for the further development of Philippine sports and the welfare of our national athletes fighting for the country’s pride and glory,” he added.
Car racing was his passion since his college days, but it was never too late to live up that passion. An invitation by some pioneer racers he met during one of the competitions in the racing circuit sparked the fire that turned his long-time racing dream into reality.
It was some sort of destiny fulfilled that on his second season of competitive racing since starting in 2013, he stamped his own mark in Phl motorsports history as the 2014 Yokohama Philippine Grand Touring (GT) champion.
“I just have this huge desire to be a professional racer. I joined the Philippine GT basically to experience the thrill and excitement of high-speed racing with emphasis on safety and intelligent driving,” Portugal said.
“I never thought I’ll be racing with the elite and seasoned professional race car drivers of the country today and the experience was a big factor in shaping up my skills to be the newest addition to the roster of car racing champions in Phl motorsports history,” he added.