After sweeping 5 championship titles at the recently-concluded FlatOut Race Series (FORS), Team Shell Helix Ultra is now gearing up for their biggest and final stint of 2018. They will be competing in the Petron x 8 Oras ng Pilipinas, fielding 3 cars this December 1/2.
The team got its first taste of the Philippine Endurance Challenge (PEC) last year. Their #19 Big Chill Honda Civic FD completed 190 laps around Clark International Speedway (CIS) to finish 3rd overall, just a lap behind the winner. With a bigger squad, they mounted an attempt at the 4 Oras ng Pilipinas in June where the #12 machine of Estefano Rivera, Paolo Santos, and Andre Tan took the overall victory. The sister #13 car, on the other hand, went on to complete the 12 Hour Kalayaan Cup 3rd in FM-2 and FM-3.
Now they’re back with the same 3-car lineup, gunning to win the coveted 8 Oras ng Pilipinas.
Andre Tan, Estefano Rivera, and Paolo Santos will be reunited to drive the red #2 Team Shell Helix Ultra Honda Civic FD. Expect these youngsters to push right from the very start of the 8 hour endurance as they’ll be going for back-to-back RP Class and overall wins.
The second yellow #10 Honda Civic FD will be shared by team founders Dax Santiano, Paul Santos, and Peewee Mendiola. These veterans are counting on years of experience to propel them to the chequered flag and a possible RP Class podium.
Lastly, the #11 Honda Civic EK will feature the PEC’s very first all-female racing team. Aira Medrano, Dimples Napat, Gabie Desales, and Kathy Villar are out to show what women can achieve in motorsports entering both FM-2 and FM-3 classes.
Paul Santos: “After winning the 4 hour race this year, I feel that our team is even more focused and extremely determined to win the longer 8 Oras ng Pilipinas. The role of our coaches, mechanics, and teammates are as important as our drivers in helping us achieve our goal. With the overall effort we are putting in, we are hoping for the best in the upcoming race.”
Team Shell Helix Ultra is sponsored by Shell Helix Ultra, Shell V-Power, Big Chill, Lubestraders Corporation, and SAS Shipyard Inc.