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The first round of the 2023 Philippine Rallycross Series (PHRX) went off to a dizzying start last weekend at the New Clark City in Capas, Tarlac.
There were 12 special stages that took place on the dirt, gravel, and muddied roads of Capas and covered a total distance of over 60 kilometers. Results were still being tabulated as of press time last Sunday.
Like the rallies of the old, the 2023 Philippine Rally is more than just speed but test of strategy, endurance, and teamwork between drivers and their co-drivers. Strategy is also very important in keeping the car in good shape to endure the long route.
The event went back to Tarlac where the 2018 Philippine Rally took place. The PHRX has been organizing its dirt trial series that has been running for eight racing calendars now, since its maiden season in 2015. The main objective of the PHRX is to revive rally racing in the country. Rally was the prevailing motorsport discipline in the Philippines until it lost its glimmer in the early 2000s.
“We want nothing but to keep the sport alive. PHRX’s passion is rooted from the love of rallying. It also comes from a promise I made with the late Jun Espino to continue reviving the sport,” said PHRX race director Olson Camacho. “A lot is still to be done but what is important is that we have made progress. Right now, what we consider as an achievements are the rally drivers we have already inspired to join the sport.”
Jun Espino is one of the Philippine motorsport legends and was one of the most talented rally navigators before he indulged as a motorsports manager at the Automobile Association Philippines.
The 2023 Philippine Rally has been made possible by the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA), New Clark City, Capas, Tarlac municipality, Cleanfuel, Ravenol, Autoplus Sports, Isuzu Philippines Corporation, Accelera Tires, Method Race Wheels, Tyron, AC Delco, and Aguila Auto Glass.