Wanna race? Stage rallies return as PHRX 2023 rolls in

The country’s premier rallycross event is back for 2023, kicking off on February 26, 2023, at the Driftwoods Action Park in Indang, Cavite.

The Philippine Rallycross Series (PHRX) announced in a press statement that “an exciting 2023 season” awaits participants and fans, especially with the return of stage dirt rally events after five years.

PHRX is a time-trial event where competitors get three heats on closed dirt courses. However, only the two fastest times are added and ranked to find the class winners.

Led by veteran rally driver and race director Olson Camacho, the team behind PHRX also organized the 2018 Philippine Rally held in the towns of Floridablanca and Lubao in Pampanga.

Camacho said there will be separate championships for PHRX and the stage rallies, along with a third championship for the best driver in both dirt disciplines.

2022 PHRX winners named

The series has also awarded its champions for the 2022 season following nine rounds of grueling racing.

In Group 1, which is composed of cars with a displacement of 1300cc and below, Noli Tinio once again dominated and secured a back-to-back overall championship in the class. He was joined by Caloy Calica in 2nd place and Teddy Galang in 3rd.

Former Slalom champion Peewee Mendiola emerged as Group 2 overall champion among vehicles with 1301 to 1600cc displacement. Paul Santos and Edsel De Dios clinched 2nd and 3rd places, respectively. 

As the Group 2 overall champion, Mendiola received Golden Wheel Award for Rallycross.

Meanwhile, seasoned race car driver Paul Santos won the Group 3 overall championship for cars with 1601 to 2000cc displacement. Mendiola joined the podium in 2nd place, with Edsel De Dios finishing 3rd overall. 

As Group 3 overall champion, Santos will receive the Driver of the Year Award for Rallycross from the Automobile Association of the Philippines.

Santos also snagged the top title in Group 4, where rally cars with a displacement of 2001cc and above are allowed. Rounding out the overall winners were Mendiola in 2nd and De Dios in 3rd.

Camacho snags another overall 

PHRX 2021 Group 2 overall champion Louie Camacho took home the Utility Vehicle Class championship using a factory-supported Isuzu D-Max. 

Camacho was joined by his teammates Mon Dimapilis with a 2nd overall finish and Danny Urian in 3rd.

The Isuzus also grabbed another 1-2 overall finish for the All-Wheel-Drive (AWD) Class. Once again, Camacho got the top step, with Dimapilis in 2nd place and the young Paulo Santos bringing home 3rd overall.

Meanwhile, experienced racer E.Z. Ligaya took home the overall championship trophy for the Rear-Wheel-Drive Class. Behind him were veteran offroader Paulo Villarta in 2nd place and Stephen Alunan in 3rd place.

For the Open Class, 2019 Golden Wheel Driver of the Year, Paulo Santos was awarded overall champion. Joining him on the overall podium was seasoned PHRX racer Arlan Reyes in 2nd overall and DJ De Guzman in 3rd.

One for the ladies

The Pick-up Class, a new category introduced at the start of the 2022 season, was also championed by Camacho, making him a three-class champion. 

Dimapilis and Danny Urian complete the Pick-up Class overall podium spots in 2nd and 3rd, respectively. 

Another Team Isuzu Philippines Corporation driver, Yvonne Linchangco, was likewise awarded champion in Ladies Class.

Are you excited about the 2023 PHRX season?

If you loved this story, give it five stars now below! This will help us make more content that you enjoy.