THE 10th leg of the 2017 RACE Motorsports Club-Phoenix National Slalom Series not only witnessed reigning three-time National Slalom King and 2017 Asian Gymkhana Champion, Milo Rivera, win his 10th straight race and maintain his perfect season so far, it also saw him clinch his fourth consecutive overall slalom crown.
This feat has put him in as one of the most successful drivers in National Slalom History, joining Rikki Dy-Liacco, Daryl Flores, and Peewee Mendiola, all with four overall crowns, and just two short of rally legend Danny Santiago with a historic six National Slalom Titles.
“My first championship back in 2014, I remember, felt very surreal to me. Now, winning it four straight times is just an overwhelming moment in itself. Each year, we work hard and dedicate ourselves towards a common goal, and I’m very blessed that with me is a group of great men and women who passionately and tirelessly do everything to make our goals a reality,” said Milo after the race.
Backed by United Auctioneers Inc., Blade Auto Center, AutoperformancePH, and Placewell International Services Corp., Milo finished the 10th leg by clocking a winning time of 54.48 seconds after a tight battle with younger brother Estefano, who finished with a best time of 54.62.
Coming in at third was 13-year-old sensation Inigo Anton of Mark Young Cars-Yokohama Racing with a time of 55.64.
Completing the Top 5 places were Paul Santos (56.46) and Powee Base (57.14), respectively.
The brothers’ 1-2 race finish has moved the younger Estefano into second place in the overall driver’s standing, just 3.5 points ahead of close rival and multi-titled veteran, Carlos Anton.
“We may have the upper hand now, but the last two races of the season will surely be very tight between Carlos and I. Milo may have already won the title, but I feel that the job is only half done for us. Yet for now, we’ll enjoy this result with the whole family,” said Estefano who is aiming to clinch second overall in this year’s championship and seal a Rivera 1-2 year, which they achieved last 2015.
With Milo already clinching this year’s championship, the sight is set towards winning the two remaining races of the year to make history as the third driver to ever claim a “perfect” National Slalom year by winning every single race of a calendar season.
In addition, he is currently preparing to triple his Asian Gymkhana success as he and teammate Carlos Anton will once again represent the country in the upcoming Taiwan Leg of the Asian Auto Gymkhana Championships this Oct. 28 and 29 in Taoyuan, Taiwan. “We may have already achieved such great heights this 2017, and I praise and thank the Almighty Father for this wonderful adventure, but the year is not over yet and we still aim for more. We hope to finish 2017 on a high and maximize on every opportunity, God-willingly,”the elder Rivera added.