MANILA: Despite the raging Tropical Storm “Agahon,” a total of 24 racers successfully showcased mettle, determination, and grit at the second practice session of the 2024 General Petroleum Philippines Gymkaha motorsport event. 

Per General Petroleum Philippines, the race series’ participants saw day-long rain and strong winds at the aforementioned practice session held on the grounds of Ayala Malls Parklinks in Quezon City.

Event regulars Kirby See and Paolo Macaraig emerged at the said practice run as the racers to watch out for. Both finished the event on top, with first-place finishes in the General Petroleum Class and Community Class, respectively. 

Macaraig, in particular, showcased his race craft by achieving the event’s “Fastest Time of the Day.” The organizers shared that he set a time of 51.40 seconds with his Honda Brio race car. Thanks to his win, the veteran racers brought home eight liters of General Petroleum fully synthetic engine oil. 

“I was in a terrible crash last year at BRC (Batangas Racing Circuit) and this hindered my confidence racing in the rain,” Macaraig Said. 

“I saw Gymkhana as the perfect opportunity - at least in a less extreme track, if ever I messed up again, it won’t be as [bad> as my wreck on the track. I am extremely happy to say it was a good run and that the ‘little mouse’ inside me is slowly fading away,” Macaraig added. 

Kirby See, meanwhile, managed to set a track time of 53.51 seconds on his turbocharged Toyota Yaris. 

“It felt surreal to win first place again. I didn’t expect to have this opportunity since it was my second time joining, so I’m very happy with the outcome,” See said. 

General Petroleum Philippines Gymkhana Race Director VJ Bacungan shared that holding a motorsport event in the storm was unexpected. Regardless, the event drew a considerable number of drivers.

“We really didn’t expect to draw two-dozen drivers in the middle of a storm. But given that everyone had such a spectacular time goes to show that our team’s long-standing and well-proven commitment to excellence has really paid off in drawing crowds, no matter the weather,” Bacungan shared. 

For those looking forward to seeing more Gymkhana action, the General Petroleum Philippines-sanctioned event will hold its third practice session on June 23, 2024, at Parklinks. 

Photos by General Petroleum Philippines Gymkhana, Ustin Nuyda

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