Separated by only 6 points in the standings and at least 28 points clear of everyone else, Eggy Ong and Red Diwa are bracing for an epic title showdown this weekend. But it’s not going to be a simple straight up fight between the JBT Racing teammates as the Vios Circuit Championship reaches its season finale.
Series newcomer Eggy Ong has quickly made his mark in the one-make-series, scoring an outright race win on his debut weekend. He then followed it up with 2 more victories and a podium last time they were out. This has allowed him and the #31 JBT Racing x Toyota San Fernando entry to secure the championship lead by the slimmest of margins.
His teammate Red Diwa, on the other hand, finds himself in the same situation he was in 12 months ago again challenging for the Sporting Class title. The driver of the Growl Thule Racing-liveried machine of JBT Racing x Toyota Isabela has 1 race win and 3 more podium finishes under his name to put him within striking distance of Eggy. While he wants to avoid last year’s heartbreak, Red would most certainly prefer to have the championship stay within JBT Racing rather than for it to go to a rival team.
However, with double points up for grabs, both drivers still needs to consistently deliver strong results in each of the 3 races to keep their title hopes alive. And while this puts Eggy and Red’s championship on the line, the 120 points at stake does give JBT Racing’s Promotional Class drivers a glimmer of hope.
Darrel Garbes, who’s now on his third season with TSF, has enjoyed his best season by far. He has finished no lower than 5th and even landed on the podium back in August, placing him 4th in the Promotional Class standings.
Likewise, the team’s lone female driver Maila Alivia impressed with her performance in 2019. A best 4th place at the curtain raiser in June and a string of point-scoring finishes slots her 7th in her category.
Aside from individual championships, JBT Racing is also in contention for the Team Awards. The Sporting-Promotional Class pairing of Eggy Ong and Darrel Garbes gives Toyota San Fernando the points lead, while Red Diwa and Maila Alivia of Toyota Isabela is 4th overall.
JBT Racing rookies Sherwin Diwa and Fullerdean Ducut may no longer be in contention for the title, but both are expected to bring the fight to the front runners this November 8/9 at the Clark International Speedway (CIS).
Comprised of Toyota San Fernando and Toyota Isabela, JBT Racing is supported by Plan Bravo – Primetime Group, 602PTG Garage, ForcedSpeed, Wikreate Konstruct, InboxStores.Ph, TonCars, AutoSupply.Ph, and Grundstein.
[Photos by Jon Gonzales]
