THE Sepang International Circuit in Malaysia is turning out to be Dexter Daquigan’s own, private playground.
The Filipino vintage car racing champion, who only last October ruled the Classic Mini Championship Asia, extended his dominion in the premier racing course as he once again ruled the racefest, which was one of the highlights of the Malaysia Speed Festival last weekend.
A many-time Classic Aspirated Cup Series champion on Philippine soil, Daquigan of Mus Mini Malaysian Job/Mohspeed Racing Team steered his #981 Mini, built by Engr. Muslim Harvin of Mus Mini Malaysian Job, to another scintillating win on Malaysian soil, proving that his previous win in the same circuit two months ago was no fluke and installing him as a certified racer to beat.
“My number one goal early in the year was to place first. I don’t think it’s all about luck, but rather, all about the hard work and dedication. These are the two reasons why I was able to achieve my goal,” said Daquigan.
Like in his October conquest, the 36-year-old Daquigan showed that preparation is the key.
Daquigan had every right to be confident after his Mini has already claimed two podiums and a race win on past occasions in Sepang, making it a good contender for the racefest, which staged its season ender.
But his racing machine was checked and double checked upon the team’s arrival at the Johor Circuit on Thursday morning, a day before its shakedown as the set up was tuned in anticipation for a wet race, where Daquigan claimed P2 with a best lap of 2:54.727.
Daquigan wasted no time taking the lead early on in Race 1 as he put the hammer down and kept his focus on every lap despite the scorching Malaysian weather, en route to a sizeable margin of over five laps to finish Class A in 1st place.
In a mixed grid of 37 cars during Race 2 later in the afternoon, Daquigan banked on a good a start to hold on to the pole, making sure to stay away out of trouble and unleashing a clean race that netted him another victory against his same Race 1 rivals #766 Alvin Ong of 66 Motorsports Racing Team and # 320 Thillai of Cella Auto Garage-Malacca.
“I’ve always wanted to race in Sepang and this a dream come true. We had a bit of luck and help from good friends to be able to finish the year well, but the main highlights for me were the experience competing with other cultures, making new friends, and to drive on a MotoGP circuit. I’d like to thank my engineer Muslim Harvin of Mus Mini Malaysian Job, my whole family for their never ending support, and my friends who comes with me to the races and cheer me on,” Daquigan said.
The year 2017 is turning out to be a banner season for Daquigan and the Mus Mini Malaysian Job x MohSpeed Racing Team. Taking his talents for the first time overseas, Daquigan earned a podium during his first Classic Mini Championship Asia debut last May, before bouncing back with a podium and a race win during his second Sepang stint in October. What followed was a guest drive at the K car Global Sepang 24H Endurance a month later, where his Team JB King Kong plaved 3rd in the M1 Class.
For Daquigan, racing helps his character.
“It makes me feel more recognized and more confident. I am able to face different kinds of people. I was able to build up connections through our business, making me feel more determined and organized,” Daquigan said. “It is a never-ending learning experience. I believe that I still need to improve my driving skills and always have seat time (number of hours) driving in the track.”