In 2009, a friend of mine, Mig Dizon, purchased a Mercedes Benz 190E 2.3-16v Cosworth. I already had my BMW e30 325i, and we met up one night to... um... "compare" our cars. After a few... uh... "comparisons," we talked about how awesome it would be to pit the BMW e30s and the Benz 190Es in their natural environment, the race track. From that conversation sprung the 1st Philippine DTM Revival Race.
With the help of fellow enthusiast Manolet Ramos, we got to work with Martin Galan of the Manila Sports Car Club and Rene Mapua of the Miata Club of the Philippines. With their help, Mig and myself set off to make our dreams a reality. But to make this happen, we needed two things - enthusiasts to participate, and sponsors to help defray the massive costs of renting a track.
Enthusiasts were plenty enough - various members of the BMW Car Club of the Philippines, E30 Club of the Philippines, and the Mercedes Benz Club of the Philippines and a few others expressed their interest. Unfortunately, with a limited time to prepare their cars, and with the threat of strong rains, we could only muster a grid of 5 cars.
photo: Paolo Arespacochaga
Sponsor interest, however, was very strong. My car shop, ARC Automotive, was definitely into it. Autoperformance Ph, distributor of Brembo brakes, also signed up immediately. Refinish Line, Mig's rubberized undercoat company, also lent its support. Bilstein and H&R suspension systems were also quick to provide assistance and prizes. Liqui Moly lubes also gave generously, as did Sonax detailing products. Mio Watch Philippines, distributors of the world's first strapless heart rate monitor watch, also signed on. And last, but not least, Aguila Auto Glass chipped in with its support.
A special mention also goes out to painter and graphic artist Ildus Galimzyanov, who graciously donated the use of his artwork for the DTM event poster. You can purchase some of his awesome automotive art through fineartamerica.com.
Thanks also goes out to Brent Co of Auto Industriya for coming out and showing their support for the event. Check out Auto Industriya's article!
photo: Francis Aguila
The race was finally made ito a reality on September 17, 2012, at the Batangas Racing Circuit. The race format included a practice session, where the fastest lap determined the grid order for the qualifying race, and the finishing order for the qualifying race determined the grid for the race proper. The grid included pro race car drivers George Apacible (Benz 190E 2.5-16v) and Paolo Arespacochaga (e30 325iS), Circuit Showdown veteran Patrick Chan (e30 M3), Neil Monzones (e30 320i) and myself rounded out the competitors. Noticably absent was Mig, whose 190E 2.3-16v had to bow out at the last minute due to a fuel pump problem.
Patrick found himself at pole position for the final race, thanks to some great driving in the qualifying race. But George Apacible stole the show, by blasting through the field in just one lap to take home the win, despite starting at the back of the grid - the penalty for missing the practice session. Patrick held on the second place, and Neil took home third. Paolo and myself both had to retire due to technical problems.
photo: Paolo Arespacochaga
photo: Paolo Arespacochaga
Despite the relatively small turnout, everyone had a great time. And more importantly, this could be the start of something wonderful. In fact, it's already spawned a sequel...
For more pics, or information on how to join the next Philippine DTM Revival Race, check out the Philippine DTM Revival Facebook Page!
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