The Philippine Autocross Championship Series (PACS) opened the year 2023 with the series’ first race of the season at the R33 Drift Track in San Simon, Pampanga.
With over 50 drivers composed of veterans and newbies, the PACS competitors tackled through the long and challenging layout designed by PACS Race Director Danny Santiago.
Arnold Javier emerged 1st Overall in the Novice category, finishing with a 2:04.01 in his Honda Civic EK. Also coming back for a chance at the Novice Overall title is Nueva Ecija native Gab Sauco, who got 2nd Place with a time of 2:04.35 in the Honda Civic EG of 2022 Driver of the Year contender Ronz Yuzon. Right behind Gab was J.C. Ocampo in his silver Civic EG with a 2:07.64.
In the Open Overall stakes, last year’s Open Overall champion Richard Gallardo again asserted his dominance with a blistering 1:57.40 in his Honda Civic EF.
Finishing 2nd Overall in the Open category is PACS veteran Rod Chang, who did a 2:01.44 in his blue Honda Civic EG. And taking 3rd Open Overall was Javier, going up against the big boys with a 2:04.76.
And finally, in the coveted Overall stakes, 2022 PACS Driver of the Year Richard Gallardo was number one with the fastest combined time of the day of 1:54.12.
Chang finished 2nd Overall with a 1:56.95, while Javier rounded out the podium with a 2:04.01.
The full Final Results of PACS 2023 Round 1 are available on the official PACS Facebook page.
New tire, licensing regulations for 2023
To help keep costs down, PACS Race Director Danny Santiago has implemented a cost cap for tires in the 2023 season. “The tire treadwear will still be at least 180, but must not exceed P10,000 per tire,” he said. “Everything else will be transferred to the Open classes.” Santiago said the tire regulation will take effect starting PACS 2023 Round 2, unless revoked.
In addition, drivers who want to get points for the 2023 PACS season must have a Rookie license from the Automobile Association of the Philippines by Round 3. Participants with no AAP license will be allowed to join, but will not receive points starting Round 3.
Finally, Santiago reiterated that drivers going for Class or Overall titles must complete at least 80 percent (or a minimum of eight) of the 10 rounds this season.
The 2023 Philippine Autocross Championship Series Round 2 will be held at Robinsons Sta. Rosa in Laguna on Feb. 26, 2023 (Sunday). Interested participants may message the PACS Facebook page. Spectators may watch for free!
