Tan, San Juan dominate PTCC opener

VETERAN William Tan and Leo San Juan ruled their respective divisions recently in the 2012 season opener of the Philippine Touring Car Championship Series (PTCC) at Batangas Racing Circuit.

Tan swept the races in Division 1 (for 200hp cars) while San Juan prevailed in two of three races in Division 2 (for 150hp cars) of the event organized by Automobile Association Philippines (AAP).

Novice driver Alan Arguelles topped all three races in Division 3 (for 100hp cars) in the inaugurals highlighted by a short opening ceremony graced by AAP motorsports committee chair Mandy Eduque. Joey Pery, the 2010 Driver of the Year, recited the oath of sportsmanship while Jay Javier of Kumho Tires delivered the welcome remarks.

According to Mark Desales of AAP Motorsports, the new race format and new set of technical rules made the first round races interesting.

But not for Tan, who quickly grabbed the lead after polesitter Enzo Pastor suffered car problems and controlled the tempo from thereon to rule Race 1 over Dondon Portugal, third placer Dwight Kevin Carlos and fourth placer Uly Maningding.

Race 2 saw Pastor try to bounce back but settled for third place as Tan prevailed anew over Carlos.

In Race 3, Tan repeated over Arnel Carlos and son Dwight Kevin to complete the sweep.

Rounds 4, 5 and 6 are set Dec. 1 and 2 at Clark International Speedway. For details, call 6555889 loc 823.