Most will agree that the true tire performance test is endurance racing. Because here delivering consistent peak performance, on varying conditions, over long sustained periods are key to victory. This is why Obengers Racing is putting its trust in Nitto Tires Philippines as they take on the Makabayan Cup Endurance Challenge together.
Running under the name Obengers Racing Nitto Tires, the team is entering their red-liveried #23 Toyota Vios touring car in all 3 events this 2023. Fittingly, the mix of 2, 4, 8, and 12 hour races enables them to showcase a number of Nitto tire compounds that are fit for different applications.
The first is the Nitto NT05 max performance tire that’s best suited for shorter 2-hour sprints. Sporting an aggressive 200 treadwear, it provides superior grip and precise handling on dry conditions. The NT05 also feature exceptional rigidity and stability needed for high stress applications. But longer stints on track better suit the Nitto NT555 G2 ultra high performance tire. This radial compound offers the best balance between grip and longevity needed for endurance racing, be it in the dry or wet.
Distributed by YHI Philippines Inc., Nitto prides itself in giving enthusiasts the tires and sizes no one else would, while having a perfectly designed tire for the application.
As for driving duties, Obengers Racing Nitto Tires’ lineup consists of Pao Agregado, Joaquin “Wakkeen” Garrido, and Thomas Raldorf.
Pao is an experienced drifter and touring car driver that has been known to be calm and cool behind the wheel while delivering consistently quick laps. He also serves as Team Manager and will surely have his hands full during the races as he juggles between roles. Wakeen, on the other hand, is the youngest and most potent driver of the 3. His motorsports journey began at a young age in karting before making the switch to touring cars in recent years. Most recently, he finished Sporting Class runner up in the 2022 Toyota Gazoo Racing Vios Cup, also with Obengers Racing.
Danish driver Thomas Raldorf is the newest addition to the team. Now based in Asia, he’s a multiple-time touring car champion and was the Thailand Super Series (TSS) Super Car GTC Champion in 2017. This, however, is not his first time racing in the Philippines. In case you missed it, Thomas also entered the Endurance Challenge last November and claimed class victory in the 4 Hour race.
“The team is very methodical and structured in how they operate, and for me that’s important. The friendliness in the pits and competitiveness on the track makes racing in the Philippines fun and enjoyable,” shared Thomas about his experience last year.
Together, the trio is making a 2023 title bid in the C3 Category, which begins this weekend. A total of 17 cars are expected to lineup on the grid this April 16 at the Batangas Racing Circuit (BRC) for the Kagitingan Cup season opener. Obengers Racing Nitto Tires have confirmed that it is entering both the 2 Hour race in the morning and the 4 Hour race in the afternoon.
Jay Delloso, YHI Philippines General Manager: “Nitto Tire is a beloved enthusiast brand and we believe that our high performance tires can support a team such as Obengers Racing into achieving the best results. Endurance racing pushes not only the driver to the limit but also the race car itself. And we at Nitto believe that our tires can withstand the toughest conditions brought about by endurance racing. We wish Obengers Racing all the best in this year’s racing season and we are with them all the way.”
Obengers Racing Nitto Tires is supported by Nitto Tires Philippines, Motul Philippines – Infiniteserv Int’l, Dynopro Philippines, and Toyota Balintawak Inc.
