VIOS CUP Season 5 in Filinvest proved to be more technical and challenging

From the expanse of the Clark International Raceway, The Vios Cup Season 5 second leg transferred to Filinvest, Alabang. A 1.74km street circuit has been laid out and occupied the lanes of Commerce Avenue, Promenade Street, ASEAN Drive, and Parkway Avenue.

At the starting line:

The July 28 – 29 second leg of the Vios Cup Season 5 proved to the most technical so far. Compared to the wide turns and long straightway of the CIR, the Filinvest track was the opposite. Narrow roads and literally sharp turns at 90º, after all, this is really a community road; businesses actually are located on these streets. The track was deemed difficult, but this brought out the competitiveness of the drivers. They are now more aggressive and cunning to take the lead.

Collision was the order of the day. One notorious corner near the bleachers proved too sharp to navigate. A good number of racers collided, either with other cars or with the retaining wall. Also noted was the loose asphalt caused by high-speed turns may have contributed to some accidents. Regardless, it was exciting for the fans, cheering wildly for their teams, especially during collisions. Compared to CIR, the bleachers are just 20ft away from the track, giving the spectators a close-up look at the cars and drivers.

The competition among drivers was such, that there were instances that they literally rammed a stalled car that was blocking their way. Those that were trailing the pack jumped several places ahead, thanks to the mayhem. Recorded speed was lower than those in Clark raceway, but driver talent took some beating here. Everyone were on their toes. A simple mistake can cause you the lead, or flip the car over.

Car 48 of Oliver Matias flipped over at that same corner. Drivers slowed down but proceeded to speed up after passing the unfortunate car. The yellow flag was up, race slowed down but did not halt the race. One thing to note here was the Vios racecar toughness. After the mishap, marshalls just tipped the car over without the help of the AAP tow truck. To the spectators amazement, the car’ engine started and went to the pits on its own power; a testament to the bulletproof quality of all Toyota Vios. Earlier, Sofia Andres also rammed the retaining wall. She wanted to continue but the damage to the left front end of her car proved too much, requiring the towing of the car.

StreettalkPh favorite woman driver, Elysse Minorca of Team Obengers, performed exceptionally well. She took second place, after Brian Currie in the promotional class.
Seven new drivers join the grid this year, four of which are from the celebrity class. The returning celebrities set to go racing are Sofia Andres, Chie Filomeno, Diego Loyzaga and Sam Milby. Maila Aliva and Miguel Cezar joined the Rota Promotional Class while John Dizon starts off in the Bridgestone Sporting Class. Several driver have also graduated to higher classes as well.

The 3rd and last leg returns to the Clark International Raceway on September 21-22.

 

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Official Results

RACE 1

Celebrity Class

Diego Loyzaga 1st

Fabio Ide 2nd

Troy Montero 3^rd

Rota Promotional Class

Jinno Rufino 1^st

Vincent Courcol 2^nd

Brian Currie 3^rd

Bridgestone Sporting Class

Victor Buensuceso 1^st

Red Diwa 2^nd

Kiki Dysico 3^rd

Oliver Matias 4^th

Lourd Seno 5^th

Super Sporting Class

Estefano Rivera 1^st

Dominic Ochoa 2^nd

Raymond Ronquillo 3^rd

Keith Brian Haw 4^th

Aira Medrano 5^th

RACE 2

Celebrity Class

Troy Montero 1^st

Fabio Ide 2^nd

Chienna Filomeno 3^rd

Promotional Class

Brian Currie 1^st

Elysse Menorca 2^nd

Jinno Rufino 3^rd

Sporting Class

Lord Seno 1^st

Kikio Dysico 2^nd

Red Diwa 3^rd

Phoemela Barranda 4^th

Oscar Suarez 5^th

Super Sporting Class

Brian Co 1^st

Aira Medrano 2^nd

Raymond Ronquillo 3^rd

Keth Brian Haw 4^th

Jette Calderon 5th

Text/Images by Earl Manalansan