TRS Formula V1 bags 2017 GT Radial x 8 Oras ng Pilipinas endurance race

Last December 3, 2017, Clark International Speedway (CIS) played host to the biggest endurance race in the Philippines called GT Radial x 8 Oras ng Pilipinas. After 800 km or 191 laps, the #6 TRS Formula V1 driven by Mike Tuason, Ferdie Ong, Bjorn Ongtiaobok, Loius Ramirez, and Luis Gono was crowned the overall winners of the event.

Up for grabs were honors for 6 categories; RP, FM-1, FM-2, FM-3, Manufacturer’s Cup, and Formula Cars. On exactly 8:40 a.m., the GT Radial x 8 Oras ng Pilipinas began.

Within the 1st hour of the event, the #5 SmartFuels2Race Honda Civic was off to the lead and even set the fastest lap of the day. Unfortunately, mechanical problems saw the race car in the pits for most of the day.

This started a 3-way battle for the lead between the #19 Team Shell Helix - Big Chill, #1 Centrum Fuel - GT Radial, and its sister #25 Honda Civic during the 1st half of the race. Crucial pit stops, which required cars to stay stationary for 2 minutes, shuffled the field.

Eventually, this saw the #25 Centrum Fuel - GT Radial car go ahead of the pack for several hours. It looked poised to claim a repeat of its 2015 victory. But good strategy and strong pace helped the #6 TRS Formula V1 snatch the lead with 12 minutes left to claim the overall win.

In FM-1 class, it was Parts Pro Racing who bagged the win after completing 186 laps. This was driven by Tyson Sy, Stefano Marcelo, and father-and-son Carlos and Iñigo Anton. They were followed by the #14 Team Cebu Honda Civic and the #17 BMW AutoPerformance M3 in 2nd and 3rd, respectively. Meanwhile, Team Cebu dominated FM-2 by sweeping the top 3. They even took 1st place in FM-3, as well as the Manufacturer’s Cup.

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. 

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