First-ever Philippine Motorsport Expo runs full-speed ahead on Oct. 15-16

Racing is undoubtedly one of the ultimate expressions of our passion for the automobile.

Whether it’s wheel-to-wheel action on the track, wild jumps on a rally stage or even threading through cones in an autocross course, motorsports gives keen drivers the chance to truly push their cars in safe and controlled conditions.

But it has never been easy to find the right racing discipline, especially if you’re just starting out. The first-ever Philippine Motorsport Expo (PMX) seeks to solve that problem.

The country’s major racing organizers will be gathering at the Blue Bay Walk in Pasay City on Oct. 15-16, 2022 from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. These include:

• Toyota Motor Philippines (host of the GR Vios Racing Festival) 

• Radical Philippines (host of the Radical Cup)

• Tuason Racing (host of the Formula V1 series)

• Petron Philippine Motorsports Championships

• Super Sprint

• Philippine Autocross Championship Series

• Full Throttle Weekend

• Philippine Rallycross Championship

• National Drift Championship

• European Touring Car Championship Philippines

Admission is free and you can have the chance to speak face-to-face with veteran drivers and discover more about setting up your car for racing.

“We want to get more people interested in motorsport as something that is enjoyable, builds character and life skills, and most importantly, is safe – if you do it responsibly,” organizer Jill Elicano-Tan told AutoFun Philippines in an email interview.

Uniting Philippine motorsports

Elicano-Tan said they thought of PMX over lunch with her husband and their friends.

“One of the topics was how racing has become fragmented over the years and that it would be great if we could unite the community together to shine a spotlight on racing in the Philippines,” she said. 

“We believe that by having all the stakeholders in the sport all in one place at one time sends a message that we are thriving, we are relevant and that there is so much growth that we can achieve,” she added.

Elicano-Tan also said PMX was a way to recognize the efforts of racers and event organizers in keeping motorsports alive.

“This is why we have decided to make their displays free of charge, to allow them to participate without having to spend money,” she said.

Insightful talks on racing

Elicano-Tan said the highlight of PMX will be the panel discussions that include some of the biggest names in local motorsports. These are:

• The Future of Philippine Motorsport – with Radical Cup race director Marlon Stockinger, Tuason Racing founder J.P. Tuason and Automobile Association of the Philippines (AAP) Motorsport Manager Ivan Isada. 

• Women in Motorsport – with W Series driver Bianca Bustamante, Vios Cup racers Julia delos Angeles and Maila Alivia, and rallycross driver Kathy Villar. 

• Racing Safety – with the AAP and racing equipment supplier AutoPerformance Motorsport

• Motorsport: The Next Generation – with Akhina Therese Santos, Mariano Axel Nocom, Christopher Joaquin Garrido, Russel Gabriel Cabrera and Ethan Matthew Ong 

There will also be two e-sports competitions for the public to join, hosted by event sponsors Stregawo and Radical Philippines. In addition, PMX will have a raffle, souvenir booths, a die-cast car swap meet, car-club meets and an exclusive fan meet with Bianca Bustamante.

Gearing up for 2023

Isada told AutoFun Philippines that the AAP, which is the local affiliate of the global motorsports governing body Federation Internationale de l'Automobile, is happy to be onboard at PMX.

“An event such as this is vital for motorsport stakeholders to network and promote the many disciplines Philippine motorsports can offer,” he said.

Meanwhile, Elicano-Tan said they don’t plan to hold any more events as 2022 comes to a close.

“We will actively try to grow and promote the community through our social media platforms and we are already planning for a bigger and better Philippine Motorsport Expo 2023,” she said. “So, stay tuned to find out what other events we have in store!”

The 2022 Philippine Motorsport Expo is presented by Eneos, Toyota Motor Philippines and Dynopro. It is also supported by:

• Alpinestars/AutoPerformance Motorsport

• Radical Philippines

• Recaro

• All Terrain Garage

• Aguila Auto Glass

• Stregawo/Magdrill

• Anzah

• Metropark

• Blue Bay Walk

• Met Live

• Automobile Association of the Philippines

• Walter Lights and Sounds