Isuzu’s a tried and tested brand in the country, but the Japanese marque figured that motorsports are another frontier that it wants to test its mettle. The brand behind one of the best pickup trucks in the country, the Isuzu D-MAX, entered the 2022 Philippine Rallycross Series (PHRX) this year fielding two D-MAX 3.0 LS-E 4x4 AT trucks that were lightly modified to compete.
The vehicles were more or less stock, with a few tweaks and upgrades made to the suspension in order to perform better on the dirt and for safety purposes. Tire upgrades were also allowed for the competition, and Isuzu’s race teams swapped out the highway terrain tires for a dirt-specific set. Apart from that, a racing seat, harness, and a roll cage were added in order to keep the driver safe in the event of a rollover or impact. As for exterior modifications, a bull bar was also added along with LED lights.
Other than that, the D-MAX retained its stock engine, transmission, and also its stock specifications, which include a horsepower output of 187 hp and a torque output of 450 Nm coming from the 4JJ3-TCX Blue Power Diesel Engine.
Under Isuzu’s race team for the 2022 PHRX season were two professional rally drivers, Mon Dimapilis and Louie Camacho. The timed dirt event had a total of nine rounds that were held on different dirt tracks within Cavite and Pampanga. After the ninth and final round, Isuzu was able to secure a first and second place finish in three classes with Louie Camacho being crowned the overall champion for the Pickup, Utility Vehicle, and All-Wheel Drive classes. Not to be outdone by his fellow driver, Mon Dimanpilis also came in first place for all three classes as well.
Under Isuzu’s race team for the 2022 PHRX season were two professional rally drivers, Mon Dimapilis and Louie Camacho. The timed dirt event had a total of nine rounds that were held on different dirt tracks within Cavite and Pampanga. After the ninth and final round, Isuzu was able to secure a first and second place finish in three classes with Louie Camacho being crowned the overall champion for the Pickup, Utility Vehicle, and All-Wheel Drive classes. Not to be outdone by his fellow driver, Mon Dimanpilis also came in first place for all three classes as well.
“We are very proud of the result of this year’s Philippine Rallycross Series. The Isuzu D-MAX has proven once again its versatility and durability, this time on the dirt track. And this is the kind of lifestyle we want to promote with this vehicle, our customers can enjoy the D-MAX both for work and play on the weekends.”
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