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THE picturesque zigzagging roads of Benguet on March 29 and 30 is
the venue for one of the country’s most exciting race events—the
second round of the 2008 Hill Climb Series. In this motor sport
discipline, cars in various states of modification race on public
mountain roads that are announced to the drivers only a few days
before the competition, effectively denying practice runs for the
participants.
Organized by the Hill Climb Club of the
Philippines and sanctioned by the Automobile Association Phils.,
this weekend’s race will flag off its first competitor at 8 a.m.
Expected to compete are vehicles that have passed the technical and
safety inspections that were held on March 25 in San Miguel by the
Bay for the Metro Manila-based entries and Baguio City for
participants in Northern Luzon.
The coming event features the highest ascent in
the race series and challenging corners on a four-kilometer course
on concrete tarmac. The breathtaking altitude change of 275 meters
along the route—which is bordered by sheer cliffs and mountain
walls—is sure to unnerve even the bravest of drivers.
A 50-strong entry list—which includes 2007
National Hill Climb champion and current overall series leader
Carlos Anton; Alfie Concepcion; rally drivers Carlo Garcia, Denise
Santos and Dindo de Jesus; touring car champion Vin Santos; Lance
Binamira; Tris Magbanua; Mon Dimapilis; Danby Yaptinchay; rally
codriver Steve Acayan; Martin Aguirre; former national dirt trial
champion Jun Magno and 29 entries from Baguio City led by veteran
rally driver Mario Dipasupil—will compete for awards in four
categories.
The event will be held in partnership with Wave
89.1, Studio 23’s Hotwire, San Miguel by the Bay, Eibach Springs,
SpeedLab and Prince Plaza Hotel. Its other supporters include the
Benguet Visitors Bureau, Spectrum Communications Inc., Hub of Hope
and officials of Benguet Province.
The second round of the Hill Climb Series could
pave the way for the event’s inclusion in the 2009 Asian Hill
Climb Series.
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