PHRX BRINGS DIRT TRIAL RACING TO METRO MANILA
CAPPING off a year of rally racing brimming with numerous firsts, the Philippine Rallycross Series (PHRX) held its inaugural rounds in Metro Manila. The concluding two legs of the 2023 season unfolded in the heart of the metro at Parklinks in Pasig City with over two consecutive weekends of dirt trial racing.
Four rounds of the series took place in the emerging business district situated along C-5 Road, featuring a mixed surface of tarmac and dirt that tested participants racing against the clock, aiming to secure as many championship points as possible as the season drew to a close.
Over two consecutive weekends in December, PHRX kicked off the month with day and night dirt trial races at Parklinks. Becoming a hub for car-related events, the venue transformed into a racing ground for dirt racing enthusiasts, attracting both rally veterans and newcomers alike. The iconic Parklink bridge served as the service park for racers and teams.
The track layout for both weekends utilized the paved roads of the development for the tarmac part of the races. Racers gained speed on the grippiest part of the course, with the concrete section leading to a rapid entry into the dirt section laid out in one of the vacant lots of Parklinks. The dirt segment of the course featured tight turns, challenging racers to navigate as swiftly as possible with minimal traction. The dirt section then led to another concrete portion, including a tight U-turn section.
The tight mixed paved and tarmac course for the Manila legs of the PHRX 2023 season provided challenging yet exhilarating rounds for participants. Holding PHRX races in the metro attracted more rally racing enthusiasts to witness the action and served as a car meet, showcasing an impressive lineup of cars at the venue.
“We are honored to be trusted by another venue partner in the series and are really happy to host our races in Metro Manila,” said PHRX organizer Ronnie Trinidad.
Before its Metro Manila races, PHRX held events in Noveleta, Cavite; Pradera Verde in Lubao, and New Clark City in Clark both in Pampanga; and Driftwoods in Indang, Cavite. Earlier this year, PHRX also partnered with the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) and the San Jose, Tarlac local government for its two-round full rally 2023 Tarlac Rally.
“Hopefully, more Metro Manila rounds will be added to the 2024 calendar to allow more people to watch the races. Reviving the love for the beloved rally racing has been the thrust of PHRX, and with more people getting to know the sport, it will fuel PHRX to do more,” added Trinidad.
Apart from its first Metro Manila leg last December, PHRX also introduced its first full rally series in this year’s dirt trial season, the Tarlac Rally. This launched PHRX’s newest championship series — the 2023 Rally Master, combining points from the 2023 Philippine Rallycross Series and 2023 Tarlac Rally. The overall champion will be crowned the first-ever Rally Master.
JOHN REY SAN DIEGO