Garrido, Choachuy snag top spots at 2023 SEAOIL Radical Challenge Philippines opener

The most exciting part of motorsports, especially in a one-make series, is that you never truly know who crosses the checkered flag first.

This was certainly the case during the season-opener of the 2023 SEAOIL Radical Challenge Philippines on July 21 to 23, 2023 at Clark International Speedway.

Last year’s champion, young racing legend Inigo Anton, qualified 1st on Saturday with a 1:57.299. Close behind was racing veteran Joaquin Garrido of PartsPro, who was just 0.419 seconds slower.

But Race 1 on Sunday wasn’t so clear-cut for Anton, with Garrido getting a better start and taking pole position into Turn 1. Racing veteran Jason Choachuy of TrackHos, who started at the back of the six-car grid after missing qualifying, also managed to get ahead of Anton.

Choachuy and Anton diced over the next few laps, with Inigo securing 2nd in pursuit of Garrido. But despite Anton’s valiant efforts, Garrido crossed the checkered flag first in a stunning series debut for the 17-year-old.

“To be honest, I just didn't want to spin and I wanted to be on par with the front runners' pace!” Garrido said. “What helped most in my performance has got to be the support of PartsPro, especially Tito Tyson, Tito Billy, and the mechanics!” 

Choachuy’s impressive defense

The reverse-grid Race 2 was a chance at redemption for Anton, who started near the rear of the pack.

However, Choachuy took the lead this time as the grid dived into Turn 1, with Anton and Garrido close behind. After an intense three-way battle, things came to a head when Anton made contact with Choachuy at the downhill Corkscrew corner.

In the end, Choachuy emerged victorious, while Anton limped his Radical SR1 back to the pits with a puncture. But now, it was Garrido’s turn for a chance at a back-to-back win.

Choachuy and Garrido also made contact at the Corkscrew, with Choachuy once again fending off the younger driver’s attacks. But Garrido’s push caused his SR1’s engine to stall momentarily, letting multiple-time karting champion Miguel Quinones slip into 2nd place.

At the end of 12 laps, Choachuy’s #78 car finished in 1st place, followed by Quinones and Garrido in 2nd and 3rd, respectively.

“To become the champion, you must beat the champion,” said Choachuy. “What helped me in my performance was the winning mindset and trust in my capabilities as a driver.”

SEAOIL partnership until 2025

SEAOIL Radical Challenge Philippines race director and international racer Marlon Stockinger said Round 1 provided a “fantastic” series of races.

“I’m also glad to see new drivers coming in from the karting scene,” he said. “We have a good number of young drivers progressing through grassroots motorsports in the Philippines, and it was exciting to watch them showcase their skills in the Radical.”

The SEAOIL Radical Challenge Philippines is a grid-racing series where all drivers compete using the Radical SR1.

The 490-kg SR1 features a carbon-steel space-frame chassis covered with a high-downforce fiberglass body. It is powered by a 1340cc, twin-cam, 16-valve inline-4 gasoline engine producing 185 PS that is mated to a 6-speed sequential gearbox.

The open-top racer also features a Quaife limited-slip differential, fully adjustable Nik-link suspension, a dash-mounted brake-bias adjuster , and carbon-composite side mirrors.

All the vehicles are fueled with SEAOIL Extreme 97 as part of the series’ new three-year collaboration with SEAOIL Philippines, Inc.

“We are delighted to see the 2023 season of the SEAOIL Radical Challenge Philippines get underway at Clark International Speedway,” said SEAOIL Philippines, Inc. head of B2C segment marking Edward Cruz

“Just like in 2022, we are once again powering each team with world-class SEAOIL Extreme-97 fuel with STP additives which is designed for high performance, and this is readily available to all Filipino motorists in our more than 750 stations nationwide,” he added.

The SEAOIL Radical Challenge Philippines heads south for its second round on Sept. 22 to 24, 2023, at the Batangas Racing Circuit.

Who do you think will dominate the next round?

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