A thunderstorm provided great racing in the recently concluded Philippine Endurance Challenge-4 Oras ng Pilipinas last June 12.
The Clark International Speedway featured a 23-car grid filled with some of the country’s best race car drivers, wherein the rainy weather showcased an action-filled race for everyone to witness.
The drama-packed race provided by the completely damped race track was ultimately won by the #12 Honda Civic FD Race Car of Team Shell Helix Ultra-Big Chill Racing, composed of Estefano Rivera, Paolo Santos and Andre Tan.
The team checkered flag with 79 laps to their belt, a good lap ahead of the Parts Pro-Car Porn racing Miata driven by Gabe Tayao, Iñigo Anton, and Errol Panganiban.
Third place overall was captured by the Carlos Anton and Tyson Sy-driven Parts Pro Racing Honda Civic with 77 laps completed.
The #12 Shell Helix car also dominated the RP Class.
The eventual champions were not early favorites for the plum after first driver Santos qualified third on the grid and fell back after the first number of laps, but chances of redemption soon came when the safety car would come out due to several incidents on the track.
This helped the Shell Helix car to ultimately gain ground through the great comeback driving of Vios Cup champion Rivera.
With perfectly timed pit stops and driver changes, they were soon leading the race with 45 minutes remaining.
And with Tan on the wheel for the remainder of the endurance, all he had to do was to bring it home in one piece and avoid unnecessary mistakes—as the wet track proved to be very vulnerable for the competitors.
Looking ahead, the team is now focused on retaining its PEC title as they resume battle this November for the year-ending 8-Hour Race. They also continue to figure in this year’s Flat Out Race Series and Philippine GT Championships.