‘Touge’: Safe racing is here

MANILA, Philippines — Mountain Pass, a form of professional racing that originated in Japan and popularly known as “Touge,” has been introduced in the Philippines recently.

The first Touge competition was held at Clark International Speedway, drawing a positive response from race enthusiasts.

Traditionally held on mountain roads, the novel racing format involves two cars chasing after each other with the chase car winning if it decreases the gap on the lead car. The lead car wins if it increases the gap between the two cars. Races start with a time attack which determines pairings.

The group Fuel, which organizes the race in the Philippines, said Touge pits emphasis on the safety of drivers with the chances of cars getting in the way of each other lessened.

“With the Touge battle, there would be no need to overtake to win, thus lessening the risk of the competitors crashing into each other,” organizers said.

The competition is spread out in classes based on fuel displacement and drivetrain. Cedelf P. Tupas