Volkswagens were represented at the Classic Car Races at The Batangas Racing Circuit, Last Sunday, February 17, 2008.
The Volkswagen contingent was comprised of two Karmann Ghias and a 1303 SuperBeetle. The Karmann Ghia convertible of Doc Sandy Coronel, the Karmann Ghia coupe of Jappy Pascual and the 1303 Superbeetle of EJ Esguerra battled M3, 325s, 540 and 740 BMWs of TJ Benitez's E30 group and friends, a lone Mini Cooper of Romy Mercado, a "Lotus 7" replica, an Opel GT of Bubi Camus , an Alfa Romeo Veloce of Willy Ortiz, and Stoplight TVs Porsche 550 replica.
Tons more pictures here
http://manilaghia.multiply.com/photos/album/551st overall belongs to this handbuilt "Lotus 7" replica racer. A little longer and wider than a true Lotus but purportedly powered by a Nissan SR20DE 4 cylinder. a 2.0 L DOHC (1998 cc) engine, originally produced 136 PS (102 kW). This later increased to 140 hp (100 kW), which eventually became 165 PS (163 hp/121 kW) through the use of Nissan's VTC variable valve timing system in the S14 and S15 Nissan Silvias.
With that horsepower, combined with bodywork that is basically a Fita tin box, you see why it just flew around the track! Wickedly fast!
2nd overall was Inaki Aranetas 740 BMW. 3rd went to TJ Benitez in his silver E30 and 4th to another E30.
Congratulations to Doc Sandy Coronel for 1st in class and 5th overall! He successfully defended against the fast Bimmers, Benz SL, Opel GT, Alfa and Porsche.
Jappy Pascual was doing real well against the Opel GT, Mini Cooper, Alfa Veloce, and the Porsche 550 kitcar but unexpectedly stopped in the middle of the track at lap 9 or so. He managed to start up his Ghia after a few minutes but lost momentum and just finished the race.
Heartbreak kid EJ Esguerra had an electronic ignition problem in the 1st lap (turn 5 or 6) and had to watch from the sidelines all throughout the race. Try again next time, EJ.
Weather was overcast the whole day. Good news for the aircooled. The bikes dominated the early racing. Several "heats" were held which displayed a very nice assortment of bikes from Hondas, Yammys, Suzuks, Ducatis, KTMs, etc. We also had GT class racing composed primarily of Nissan 200s and 240s with a sprinkling of Hondas, Toyotas, and Mistubishis. They ran at about 1130AM. Race was won by a Honda VTEC2door hatch.
The Classic Car races started at 130PM and it started drizzling on the last lap of the Classics race and the next race (AF3) was called a "wet" race. It was really pouring when the open cars were on track!
Matt Howson of PTRS took an accomplished race win in a wet round twelve of the Asian Formula Three Series. Frederic Vervisch was second with Rafael Suzuki third. Vervisch now has a 51 point lead over Howson in the 2007-2008 AF3 Championship but with 127 still left to be won the title is no by means won.
We had TONS of fun - Jappy, TJ, EJ, Sandy, Jon, Cris, the Asuncions, and moi.
Next date: March 29.... the organizers need at least 10 Volkswagens for a race to call our own. . . A VDUB CUP!! hahaha.
