If anyone remembers correctly, Access Plus Racing had a healthy points advantage heading to the penultimate round of 2022. That was until another rider slammed into Timothy Joseph “TJ” Alberto on the very first race that weekend that wiped out his lead in an instant. The team is now exactly in the same situation and thus calls for a “safe, fair” race as the 2023 season heads to the Batangas Racing Circuit (BRC).
TJ and Lawrence Macalinao both hold onto a 12 points lead in the Pro Class and Expert Class standings, respectively, but will be vigilant as they chase after solid results. This will also be their first time to run the latest 2023-spec Ducati Panigale V4 R and V4 S on the 3.500 km track, so it will be interesting to see how much better they perform. But there is a strong chance of rain that could swing the advantage to the opposite direction.
Both riders have consistently finished on the podium all season and Access Plus Racing hopes to do the same this race weekend. Round 5 of the 2023 Philippine Superbike Championship (PSBK) starts on Saturday (September 2) with Qualifying followed by Races 1 and 2 on Sunday (September 3).
TJ Alberto, #77: “We’re looking forward to the race weekend at BRC where we’ve been competitive in the past. This will also be the first time for us to run the 2023-spec Panigale V4 R and the new Diablo Superbike SCX rear tire here, so it would be interesting to see what improvements we can gain on track. Still, our focus is on the 2023 championship where we currently hold onto a 12 point advantage.”
Lawrence Macalinao, #26: “With 1.5 times points being awarded this weekend, it’s very crucial that we finish both races at BRC on top so we can extend our lead in the Expert Class championship. That’s why we’ve been working hard over the break and had a very good tire test last week on the track. So far we’re on target in terms of lap times and hope to secure strong results.”
Toti Alberto, Team Principal: “We’re heading to the penultimate round of 2023 with TJ and Lawrence both leading in their respective classes. It’s exactly the same situation we were in last year and remembering what happened in 2022, we pray that everyone rides safe, fair, and with no collisions this time. At Access Plus Racing, we’ll be giving our best and let’s see who gets the victory.”
Access Plus Racing is sponsored by Ducati Philippines, Angkas, Shell Advance Motorcycle Oils, ArmyNavy Burger + Burrito, Frontrow, Makati Diamond Residences, Katinko Oil and Ointment, Macbeth, Aella, LV8 Elevate, Extreme Components, STM, and Öhlins Racing.
