The AISIN Super Sprint Series celebrated another adrenaline-fueled event that showcased driver skill last 20th of August at Parklinks Ayala in Libis, Quezon City. Round 4 hosted a record-breaking 81 entries that vied for the best times in the individual classes, showcasing speed, skill, and precision.
As the sun broke through the morning mist on race day, competitors were released around the course one-by-one for the early practice runs. They came in a diverse array of vehicles, from stock cars to tuned race cars, that were segregated accordingly based on driver level and car type. Compared to the previous event, the organizers intentionally increased the track difficulty to continuously challenge its drivers and push them to level up in skill. But to give drivers time to learn and adjust, each entrant was given multiple runs to refine their lines and shave off fractions of a second with each successive attempt.
The run times kept getting quicker and quicker as drivers are able to push closer and closer to the limit. Thankfully, not one pushed over the edge and safely stayed within on course. And those who dared to find their limits were duly rewarded by the day’s end with the best times in their respective categories.
Richard Mercado was the fastest entry in the Street Class. Driving a ’07 Toyota Vios, he was able to set a 62.399 secs run to take 1st. Mark Cleo Legaspi was a revelation amongst the Amateur Class drivers as he was the only one to break the 60 secs mark with a 59.516 secs best in his ’93 Honda Civic. Boboy Rabe then topped the Intermediate Class with a 56.878 secs run in a beautiful ’22 Mercedes AMG A35. But the quickest time of the day went to Migui Briones who managed to stop the clock at 55.802 secs in a Honda Civic.
Super Sprint is a motorsport discipline that emphasizes car control, agility, and navigation through a defined course. Unlike traditional racing circuits, the competition typically takes place in large parking lots or open areas where a course is delineated using traffic cones and barricades. The objective is to complete the layout in the shortest time possible, maneuvering through tight corners, turns, slaloms, chicanes, and challenging straightaways.
The 2023 AISIN Super Sprint Series continues its mission to introduce motorsport to a new generation of drivers. It will host its final round of the season on September 17 again at Parklinks Ayala in Libis.
The Series is presented by AISIN Philippines and supported by Riken Motorsports Philippines, Toyota Manila Bay, PartsPro, Autoperformance PH, Aguila Auto Glass, Runstop PH, Pegasus Autolamp, Fixstop Auto Service, Project Vector, CleanShine Master, Walter Sounds and Lights, Eqube Events Management, Rider’s Aide, Fabrix Eco Filter PH, BrandAide Inc., and Edgesport. The series also wishes to thank Mr. Francis Radovan and Doodletea and Mexicab for their gracious support and assistance.
[Photos by RJ Olaso]
