Toughest Tough Track Challenge 2017 opens
"This track will either make you a man or make you a boy," 4Wheelers Davao Association chairman John P. Ferrazzini told participants in his welcome message as the Tough Track Challenge 2017 opened yesterday at the Iluminado Quinto Offroad Race Track in Barangay Langub, Diversion Road in Davao City.
Ferrazzini designed the track along with John Sandico.
Ferrazzini also warned riders, saying, "This is the toughest track, the most challenging one. May the the best man win."
National Association of Filipino Off-Roaders (Nasfor) president Ramon To-ong thanked Ferrazzini and 4Wheelers Davao Association for hosting the annual race that serves as the final stop of the season.
"They redesigned the whole track for us," ToOng said in a separate message.
Meanwhile, Davao City rider Lorenzo "Jiggy" Rodriguez of 4Wheelers Davao downplayed his chances to keep up with Bong Collado of Isabela Extreme who is leading the current standing of the 2017 Driver of the Year.
As of the 11th leg, Collado amassed a total of 290 points followed by Noel Bartolome, Jr. of Manila Atletika (241) and Rodriguez who was running third with 228 points.
Results of the 12th leg have yet to be posted.
Rodriguez, 24, said, "Basta i-enjoy lang ang game, walay ma-injured. Wala ko maghuna-huna nga mudaug (I just want to enjoy the race and nobody gets injured. I don't think about winning)."
He also said that being behind by some 60 points from the leader would be a close to impossible feat.
"Lisod i-perfect man gud, mao niy pinakalisod nga track sa Pilipinas. Wala mi gapraktis diri (It would be difficult to score perfect as this is the toughest track in the country. We haven't practiced here)," said Rodriguez who was backto-back Philippine Tough Track Challenge in 2015 and 2016 held in Talisay and Argao, Cebu, respectively,
He started racing six years ago through the inspiration he got from his father Joseph who is also entered in the ongoing Tough Track Challenge 2017 and is currently at fifth place in the 2017 Driver of the Year standings.
Rodriguez will again ride on "Tisoy", his vehicle, that has underwent two overhauls from being an original Land Cruiser.
Off-roading, according to him, is an expensive sport as he has to maintain a crew of three, including a driver, who he brings along wherever he competes. He spends for air fares, accommodations, meals and parts, among other operational expenses aside from other tools and parts needed for repairs.
To-Ong, for his part, said in an interview with Sun.Star Davao that bringing the event to Davao gives opportunities for Mindanao and Visayas riders to become Driver of the Year.
"Before, it's difficult for others to be Driver of the Year but in recent years where we held it in Cebu and now in Davao, we are giving chance to other riders. Practically, it's difficult for Mindanao and Visayas riders to compete in Luzon where most of the races were held in the past," To-Ong said, adding that the Tough Track Challenge is now on its 17th year.
He added that Dipolog City might be bidding to host the event next year while Zamboanga may soon be reviving its association.
The Nasfor chief said, "Our (off-road community) growth is not as big as we want it nor as fast as we want it but we like our pace now especially if new sponsors come in, that would be a big boost to the sport."
The two-day race, which ends today, features the extreme class (open) and production class (road worthy vehicles) categories.
It is sponsored by Phoenix Petroleum Philippines, Maxxis, Merco and Selecta.