The inaugural round of the 2023 Philippine Autocross Championship Series has kicked off at the R33 Drift Track in San Simon, Pampanga. Over 50 drivers joined the season-starter, with hardened veterans and fresh faces tackling the long and challenging layout designed by the late PACS race director Danny Santiago.
After a long day, returning driver Arnold Javier emerged first overall in the Novice category, finishing with a 2:04.01 in his Honda Civic EK. Also coming back for a chance at the Novice Overall title was Nueva Ecija’s Gab Sauco, who placed second in 2:04.35 in the Honda Civic EG of 2022 Driver of the Year contender Ronz Yuzon. Right behind Sauco was J.C. Ocampo in his silver Civic EG with a 2:07.64.
In the Open Overall stakes, last year’s Open overall champion Richard Gallardo again asserted his dominance with a blistering 1:57.40 in his Honda Civic EF.
Finishing second in the Open category was veteran Rod Chang, who did a 2:01.4t4 in his blue Honda Civic EG.
Javier, going up against the big boys, came in third in 2:04.76.
And finally, in the coveted Overall stakes, Gallardo was number one with the fastest combined time of the day of 1:54.12. Rod Chang finished second with a 1:56.95, while Javier rounded out the podium with a 2:04.01.
PACS announces new tire, licensing regulations
Before his untimely demise, Santiago implemented a cost cap for tires in the 2023 season.
“The tire treadwear will still be at least 180, but must not exceed P10,000 per tire,” he said. “Everything else will be transferred to the Open classes.”
Santiago said the tire regulation will take effect starting PACS 2023 Round 2 unless revoked.
In addition, drivers who want to get points for the 2023 PACS season must have a rookie license from the Automobile Association of the Philippines by Round 3. Participants with no AAP license will be allowed to join, but will not receive points starting Round 3.
Finally, Santiago reiterated that drivers going for Class or Overall titles must complete at least 80 percent (or a minimum of eight) of the 10 rounds this season.
Santiago, credited for elevating Philippine motorsports, passed away last 18 February.
His daughter, Sam Santiago-Escalante, a seasoned slalom, Karting, and rallycross driver herself, is now the new race director of the Philippine Autocross Championship Series.