After spending a whole year to find the fastest drivers in the Philippines, the AAP Motorsport Development Program (MSDP) can now prep for the National Gymkhana Finals in November. That’s because they’ve just awarded the last set of Gymkhana Series finalists who came from Cagayan De Oro and Iligan.
Al Dipatuan, Hans Kristian, and Gab Manubag were all vying for the top spot in the ‘1300cc Below’ class. Although Al and Hans finished 1st and 2nd during the final CDO event last October 21, Gab Manubag’s consistency throughout the year allowed him top the points standings and earn an invite to the finals.
In the ‘1301-1500cc’ category, Mark Bernales got the overall title with his consistent results in all previous legs. He also happens to be the ‘1501-1800cc’ champion in the Gymkhana Series in Davao. Finishing behind him are Sharifson Salapuddin in 2nd and Al Dipatuan taking 3rd.
Kent Lignes pulled off his first ever win in the ‘1501-1800cc’ class this month. To everyone’s surprise, that gave him a 3 point advantage in the final standings and an invite to the finals in Manila. Abdulsalam Linalig and Ara Yusoph came 2nd and 3rd, respectively that day.
It was a close fight for the podium between Dodot Montaner and Bryco Maglasang for the ‘1801-2000cc’ class. Dodot finally got the break he wanted, taking 1st place and winning the championship with a 4 point advantage. Bryco had to settle for 2nd with Kent Lignes in 3rd.
The overall ‘2001cc and Up’ title was already mathematically won by Edu Agudo leading up to the series finale, but that didn’t stop the CDO drivers from slugging it out in the final event. Bryco Maglasang would claim 1st place with Dodot Montaner coming in a close 2nd, while Tenny Montuno landed on the last podium spot.
Gab Manubag, Mark Bernales, Kent Lignes, Dodot Montaner, Edu Agudo, and all the other finalists from Metro Manila, Cebu, Iloilo, and Davao will now face off in the AAP-MSDP National Gymkhana Finals. All drivers will drive identical Mazda 2 SkyActiv race cars provided by Mazda Philippines in a double elimination format to see who’s the best of them all. The epic showdown will take place on November 4 at Megatent Libis in Quezon City.
The AAP-Motorsport Development Program (MSDP) is supported by the FIA Sport Grant programme, partnered with Mazda Philippines. You may contact Motorsport Development Program Facebook Page for more information on the Gymkhana events and it Saturday Modules on learning basic car racing skills.
For inquiries on the MSDP Modules or Gymkhana Finals, visit the AAP Motorsport Development Program page on Facebook.
