Tuason Racing School (TRS), the same people that run the races for the Vios Cup, is working on a new pet project. They’ve brought in Formula V1 designed as the ‘next step’ for those who want to go up the motorsports ladder in the Philippines. And if everything goes to plan, it’ll have its own local championship in 2018.
“Our plan is to align with all the racing programs in the country to create a unified development with everyone enjoying a mutual gain,” said JP Tuason. “We all need to work together to complete our dreams for the racing Filipinos.”
Formula V1 is a single seater kit car. It’s built by West Racing Cars Co. Ltd. in Japan (where it’s known as a Vita-01) and is shipped into the country by TRS who then assembles it here.
Formula V1
The ‘car’ sits on a tubular steel chassis with a mid-mounted 1NZ 1.5L 4-cylinder engine similar to the one found in the Vios. Likewise, the 5-speed short shift transmission and driveshafts are borrowed from the Vios which helps keep costs low. There are Wilwood brakes on all 4 corners with adjustable bias, bespoke TEIN coilovers, wheels supplied by ROTA, no driver aids, and the seat must be custom-fit to the driver.
During a private test, the demo car had 195/55R15 Bridgestone Potenza RE11 tires. Although they could switch to a different compound or brand, Formula V1 will most definitely use street tires, not slicks.
If you think about it, it’s technically a formula car fitted with a fiberglass body.
110 hp may not sound like a lot, but for something that weighs 530 kg dry, Formula V1 is a rocket. 0 to 100 km/h takes 4.5 secs, top speed is 200 km/h on the main straight of the Clark International Speedway (CIS), and will lap the full 4.189 km track in about 2 mins 11 secs.
How to join the Formula V1 Series
As early as now, we’re letting everyone know that TRS WILL NOT rent out cars. If you want one, you must BUY a Formula V1 racecar from them for P2.1 million. The package includes one (1) set of ROTA wheels, one (1) set of tires, an OMP race suit, entry fee to the 2018 series, and a 1-day training course for both driver and team.
TRS will also provide parts support, some of which are locally sourced for economic reasons.
Keep in mind that TRS only has 15 units for now, limited by the time it takes West Racing Cars to build these things. 5 are currently in the country, 10 more are expected to arrive in February 2018, but more should come after that.
Formula V1, however, is intended for intermediate drivers, 16-years-old and above with racing experience. First timers need not apply. To qualify, participants must have a National B License (or higher) AND/OR at least 2 years participation in the Vios Cup, PTCC / Philippine GT, FlatOut Race Series (FORS), X30 Senior / Veteran Karting, or International race experience.
Whatever you achieved in slalom, autocross, rally cross, and drifting does not count. Sorry.
Come 2018, the Formula V1 Series will have 4 race weekends which is broken down into 3 Sprint Races and 1 Endurance Race. Sprint events consists of 2x 12 lap races and by our best understanding, the Endurance is entry to the 8 Hour Philippine Endurance Challenge (PEC). Although dates are still tentative, they should take place around the months of April, June, September, and November with 15 to 20 cars on the grid.
Here’s the best part. Whoever wins the 2018 championship gets to race at Fuji Speedway in Japan as part of their local Vita-01 series. All expenses paid.
Sounds good? Great. You may contact Tuason Racing School at 0917-815-8261 or e-mail [email protected] to sign up. They accept cheques, bank transfers, or cash.