/ News

33 cars to compete at GT Radial x 8 Oras ng Pilipinas

New rules were introduced to accommodate the wide variety of entries.

Dan Pabustan on Nov 29, 2017

This December 2 to 3, as much as 33 cars will battle it out at the Clark International Speedway for the GT Radial x 8 Oras ng Pilipinas endurance race. This is currently dubbed as the biggest grid of the Philippine Endurance Challenge (PEC) in its history.

With the amount of entries for this weekend's race, organizers introduced a set of rule changes. Slightly-modified street cars with less than 100 hp may now compete in its own category with the addition of the FM-3 category. Meanwhile, cars with 100 to 150 hp is for FM-2, as prototypes get its new category for the newly-launched Formula V1.

Comprising the 33 entries are 10 cars in the RP class, 8 in FM-1, 8 in FM-2, and 6 in FM-3. The Manufacturer's Cup headed by KYB – SmartFuels2Race has 2 entries, both Toyota Yaris units. The lone entry in the Formula category is campaigned by Vita Prototype.

Centrum – GT Racing on the other hand, has the most number of entries with 8 cars competing in 4 categories. The team's pair of Honda Civics are looking forward to repeating their victories since 2015. They will, however, face a strong contender in the FM-1 as 4 Oras ng Pilipinas-winner BMW AutoPerformance's M3 is also present to claim another win.

Of note, there are also international teams on the list. SmartFuels2Race will be racing with an all-Australian driver lineup in their 2-car squad. There's also an entry from Motul – 602PTG all the way from Japan. In addition, BRP Racing’s car will be shared by 5 Singapore drivers.

Practice will be held on Saturday, December 2, whereas the race is scheduled at 8:30 a.m. on Sunday.

The Philippine Endurance Challenge 8 Oras ng Pilipinas is sponsored by GT Radial – Philippines, KYB, EPPCO, RECARO, Staging Lanes, Competition Clutch, SmartFuels, Seiken Brake Parts, Works Bell, 602PTG, Brodeth Motorsports, Tuason Racing School, OMP, Angeli Jewelry, and Tes Advertising.

It's supported by Pro Simulation Karera, Walter Lights and Sounds, Aeromed, CTR Suspension Parts, Driftmob Works Pilipinas, and 2ndGen Insurance. Media partners include 2NER Magazine, ABS-CBN Sports and Action, AutoCar Philippines, AutoDeal.com.ph, AutoIndustriya.com, C! Magazine, CarGuide.Ph, Carmudi.com.ph, Ignition.Ph, JamesDeakin.Ph, JDM Underground, Manila Bulletin Drive, Pit Talk Asia, The Score, and Time Attack Manila.