Extreme Off-Road Challenge a hit
OFF-ROAD driver-enthusiasts from other regions saw action in the grueling two-day Extreme 4 x 4 Off-Road Challenge on April 18 and 19, one of the new events in the 2009 Bangus Festival, and have promised to come back next year.
Councilor Karlos Liberato Reyna IV, event chairman, said there will definitely be a repeat next year and possibly with the inclusion of Motocross.
“We have the facilities and the right terrain fit for the sport,” said Reyna who tested his nerves as a passenger in one of the 4 x 4 vehicles driven by the lone woman participant, Maila Alivia.
The rugged obstacle route in Dagupan was set up on a 10-hectare land along the Jose R. de Venecia Expressway Extension.
Councilor Alfie Fernandez also tried his skills at off-road driving to the delight of the gallery. He has his own 4 x 4 and he now plans to join next year’s next challenge.
The Extreme Off-Road Challenge event, watched by a crowd of thousands, was won by Ernesto Magtuto of the Bicol Off-Road Club, scoring the lowest time of 0:09:05.29. and took home the top prize of P40,000 presented by Mayor Alipio Fernandez Jr. and Vice Mayor Belen Fernandez.
Sponsored by the National Association of Filipino Off-Roaders (NAS-FOR) headed by Monte Pedroza, the event was the only second of its kind held in the north region.
The first one was held in Baguio City during the Panagbenga Festival, but the Dagupan race was deemed bigger.
Pedroza, NASFOR president, said his group usually holds extreme off-road races in major cities during fiestas and festivals to promote extreme off-road racing as a sport.
Jojo Sison of Ilagan 4-Wheelers Club placed second and won P30,000; Roger Peyra, Bicol Off-Road Club, was third with P20,000.
Lone woman driver Alivia (Isabela Extreme) was fourth with P10,000 while Red Diwa (Tuguegarao Off-Road Club) was in fifth place to win P5,000.
Consolation cash prize of P3,000 each was awarded to Abraham Collado (Tuguegarao Off-Road Club), sixth place; Omar Alivia (Isabela Extreme) seventh; Neil Andaya (Pangasinan Off-Roaders Club), eighth; Edison Dungca (Angeles City 4 Wheelers), ninth; and Omer Dungca (Angeles City 4 Wheelers) 10th.—LM
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