TOUGE BATTLE PHILIPPINE STYLE
BY CONRAD CARIÑO
But since not all cars are created equal, Touge Battle also has divisions or “classes.”
The Economy class is for cars with displacement of up to 1,550 cc, while the Regular class is for vehicles with a displacement of 1551-1950 cc. The Regular class is also where Hondas with D15 and ZC engines can participate.
For the Turbo+ class, cars with turbochargers and naturally aspirated engines below 3,050 cc can participate, while the Prestige class is reserved for cars with a displacement of 3,051 cc and above
For the Street class, all cars must have a complete interior or all door panels, amd carpets and seats must be installed. Only the rear seat backrests or backseats can be removed. Also, tires must be higher than a 200 tread-wear rating while fuel cells are prohibited.
The Race Car class is for vehicles that are not advisable for everyday road use. It has three categories: Race 3, up to 1,550 cc; Race 2, 1551 cc-2000 cc; and Race 1, 2001 cc and above.
When a car has a turbocharger, its class is determined by multiplying its displacement by 1.5. The presumption is turbocharged cars usually have a power advantage of about 50 percent compared to normally aspirated (non-turbo) engines.
Origins
Touge Battle has its origins in the races staged along the mountain roads of Japan. for maximum safety and an increased fun factor.
He added that local Touge Battle races began in 2014 and the fourth season will be held this year.
“Aside from Touge Battle, we also organize the Clubman Racing Series. We are also on our fourth year organizing the Clubman Racing series,” Ligaya said.
He was not alone, however, in organizing the Touge Battle races in the Philippines.
“After a previous car show that I organized in 2013. A friend of mine got our group together and came up with the idea of holding amateur races. One of my friends already made a Touge Battle event and suggested we continue it. We provide a safer and more enjoyable experience for the participants and spectators,” Ligaya said.
His team is currently made up to Sung Joon Park, Francis Arjonillo, Stephen Alunan, and Jed Jernel Labao, and other pals who are motor sports and car enthusiasts. Battle series keeps growing.