Beating hundreds of other contenders and besting the finals, Racing Data Analyst and sim racing champion Russel Reyes can now live up to his dreams of becoming a real race car driver. The 22-year-old recently clinched the title in the 2024 Gulf Top Driver Challenge, which earns him an all-expense-paid to watch the 2024 Singapore Grand Prix and meet the Williams F1 Team.
Spearheaded by Tuason Racing and supported by Gulf Oil Philippines, the competition gives motorsport enthusiasts the chance to turn their passion into a profession. Participants were put through their paces in a 4-stage competition that tested not only their driving skill but also their mental toughness, adaptability, and strategic thinking. The event started with simulator trials, before moving to karting at Ekartraceway, and then to a Basic Racing Class at Clark International Speedway (CIS). The final showdown placed the Top 3 finalists inside a Formula V1 race car where only the best would prevail.
Russel displayed unmatched skill and composure under pressure, allowing him to set the fastest time and earn the title Gulf Top Driver Challenge champion. Coming in 2nd was Jahan Kalam, a 36-year-old seasoned amateur racer with deep roots in Tuason Racing. Then in 3rd was Clarence Ancheta, a 19-year-old former kart racer.
This year’s Gulf Top Driver Challenge was able highlight the immense pool of talent within the Philippine motorsport community. With Gulf Oil Philippines and Tuason Racing, they hope to continue the search for future racing talent and grow Philippine motorsports.
The Top Driver Challenge is powered by Gulf Oil and partnered by Monza Barcade, together with Apex, OMP, AAP, Imprint Customs, and Clark International Speedway. Also Tuason Racing’s media partners C! Magazine, Philippine Daily Inquirer, AutoIndustriya, Autocar Philippines, Time Attack Manila, and Skramble.
