While there were only a few participants for the first Philippine DTM Revival Race, it was obvious that there was an interest in the race series. Most of the spectators may have showed up to see the Miata Cup or the MSCC Vintage Car Race, but those who witnessed the rebirth of 80s DTM racing certainly displayed their enthusiasm. Mig and I were hopeful that the second race would be better.
With the help of our sponsors from the first race - Aguila Auto Glass, ARC Automotive, Bilstien, Brembo, H&R, Liqui Moly, Mio Watch, Refinish Line, and Sonax - we were confident that we can put on a show the second time around. Petronas (the Malaysian petroleum giant who is the name sponsor of the Petronas Mercedes AMG GP Formula 1 team) gave us their full support and worked out so that the second race would have all the bells and whistles - like transponders for lap times, and complete FIA supervision.
This time, the race would be held in the Clark International Speedway, on November 18, 2012. Unlike the first race, the skies were clear and blue all day, making it perfect racing weather. The Miata Cup had over 20 cars on grid, and the Vintage Car Race gained a new sibling, with the newly minted Modern Sportscar Race, witha couple of Porsche 964s, a 996, BMW Z3 Coupe, a Ford Mustang GT500, and even a couple of Miatas joining the fray. FIA officials from Australia were on hand to make sure things ran smoothly, and that the race was safe and organized. Pro Drivers JP Tuason, Mike Potenciano, and Louis and Mechie Ramirez, also dropped by to see the the races, along with Mikko David - Top Gear Philippines' Motorsport Editor. The conditions were perfect for a great day of motorsport.
The cars on the grid were the real stars of the show, however. The Mercedes Benz 190E was represented by Mig Dizon's 2.3-16v Cosworth and defending champion George Apacible's 2.5-16v AMG. Carrying the flag for the BMW e30s were Patrick Chan's M3, a couple of tuned 325i's driven by TJ Benitez and pro racer Stefan Ramirez, a 325iS piloted by Paolo Arespacochaga, Peter de Guzman's 320i, and James Stratchan's 318i. (I wasn't able to drive this race - my e30 is almost ready! Almost! Argh!)
The format was the same as the first race - one practice heat, one qualifying race, and then the final race. Only this time, there were more participants. But there weren't just more cars on the grid, but the racing was also excellent, with lots of overtaking and wheel to wheel action between Paolo, George, Patrick, Stefan and TJ going at each other.
The three pro drivers put on a great show, with Stefan, George and Paolo overtaking and re-overtaking each other. Patrick and TJ - both veteran club racers - kept pace and joined the fray with the pros.
The day, however, belonged to Paolo who had just celebrated his birthday a week before. coring fastest laps for all three races, taking pole position for both race heats, and taking first place in the final race. George finished second, while Patrick secured another podium to take third. Stefan and TJ came in just behind the top three, while Peter and James also finished. Mig, however, didn't start the final race due to a fuel pump problem.
More important than winning or losing was the spirit of 80s DTM Racing is alive and well! Guys came over to see the 16v Benzes and the e30s to admire the cars in their semi-racing livery. There were spectators who came over to say that they, too, have a Cossie or e30 they'd love to race. Even Mike Potenciano mulled over the possibility of bringing his e30 M3 to one of the races.
With the success of the event, the Philippine DTM Revival Race will continue in 2013, with 3 to 4 races spaced out throughout the year. I'm looking forward to seeing even more cars, more fans, and more motorsport fun in the next few races. That dream that Mig and I had so many years ago is finally coming true, and we're just glad to be a part of it. I just hope next time, the both of us get to be part of the final race, too!
Final results:
1. Paolo Arespacochaga - BMW 325iS (e30)
2. George Apacible - Mercedes Benz 190E 2.5-16v
3. Patrick Chan - BMW M3 (e30)
4. Stefan Ramirez - BMW 325i (e30)
5. TJ Benitez - BMW 325i (e30)
6. Peter de Guzman - BMW 320i (e30)
7. James Strachan - BMW 318i (e30)
(DNS - fuel pump failure on track). Miguel Dizon - Mercedes Benz 190E 2.3-16v
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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