2023 Tarlac Rally Triumphs Over Typhoon, Ends Season with Thrilling Tarmac Action

Following the 2023 Tarlac Rally season opener last June 24-25 at the New Clark City in Capas, Tarlac, the Philippine Rallycross Series (PHRX) hosted the second round of the Tarlac Rally last July 29, 2023 in San Jose, Tarlac. Flagged off right at the San Jose Municipal Hall, the second round of the rally was graced by Hon. Romeo Capitulo, the municipality’s mayor himself.

The second Tarlac Rally round prepared five special stages (SS) with a total SS distance of 73.04 km. Making it different from the opening round which was held in stages of mixed surfaces of gravel, tarmac, and mud, the recently concluded round features full tarmac stages. While many expected high traction action as participants unmount gravel tires for sport tires of up to 180 treadwear, the wet weather situation during the rally’s weekend made it more thrilling.

“The super typhoon was quite overwhelming, making it impossible for many competitors to join the rally. However, we as organizers, have been ready for a rainy rally since a few months back following the postponement of the season opener which was supposed to be in May. We were ready whether it be rain or (moon)shine and so we decided to give it a go,” said Olson Camacho, Tarlac Rally Organizer.

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After 88.05 km of total rally distance, all teams who braved the wet weather rally were able to cross the finish line and emerged as rally finishers.

Repeating their first round success, Marvin Susara and co-driver Charlie Cruz in their Vios-powered Toyota Corolla E10, were able to defend their Group 1 win with a total rally time of 54 minutes and 44 seconds, the second fastest overall time of the rally. Group 1 second place was captured by Mark Desales and co-driver Ricxie Dela Cruz in their Corolla E11 XE with a total rally time of 1 hour, 7 minutes, and 4 seconds.

Group 2 win was captured by Paul Santos in his Honda Civic EK sedan. Together with co-driver Ansley Sarmiento, the duo recorded a total rally time of 55 minutes and 51 seconds, which makes the team the third fastest overall finishers of the rally.

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Group 3 was won by Louie Camacho and co-driver John Rey San Diego in their Toyota Corolla E11 GLi. Redeeming their DNF remark (did not finish) in the first round, the duo recorded a total rally time of 54 minutes 15 seconds which puts them as the unofficial fastest overall rally finishers.

For the RWD Class, the team of veteran rally driver Jun Magno and co-driver Kalvin Sumagui in their Toyota 3SGE-swapped BMW E36, emerged victor of the class with their total rally time of 1 hour and 19 seconds. Finishing in the RWD class second place, E.Z. Ligaya together with navigator Stephen Alunan clocked in a total rally time of 1 hour, 9 minutes, and 32 seconds.

Back to redeem themselves from last rally’s DNF, Allan Sarmiento and navigator Austin Sarmiento emerged as AWD class winners with their total rally time of 58 minutes and 28 seconds in their Toyota Rav4 rally car.

Giving a fitting ending to the 2023 Tarlac Rally, a ceremonial flag off was held at the Okada Manila’s Motorsport Carnivale last August 2, 2023. The finishers of the Tarlac Rally were also recognized at the Motorsports Carnivale awards night on August 6 at the Glass Ballroom, Okada Manila.

With the rally season officially over, the Philippine Rallycross Series gears up to resume the 2023 season of its dirt trial series. Like and follow the Philippine Rallycross Series Facebook page to know more about the second-half of the 2023 dirt trial series.