Tiu, Manalo rule drag race kickoff

MANILA, Philippines—Reigning national champion Jonathan Tiu and reigning M&H pro champion Martin Manalo ruled separate classes in the recent kickoff of the 2015 National Drag Racing Championship Southern Series at Batangas Racing Circuit Drag Strip.

Tiu, getting solid support from teammate Jonathan Young, emerged Quick 8 champion while Manalo, with back-up from younger brother and 2013 Southern Series champion Marc, clinched his second M&H Pro crown this season.

After beating Jeff Cruz in the opening round, Tiu bested Young in the semifinals to secure a finals slot for the Quick 8 crown.

Martin Manalo was booted out by Afillan Ararao in their first-round encounter. Marc Manalo then waylaid Ararao in the semifinals to forge a duel with Tiu.

Tiu clocked 12.183 seconds to beat Marc Manalo (13.686).