NOW officially a four-time National Slalom Champion, Milo Rivera has achieved something only two other drivers in the history of the National Slalom Series have—sweep an entire season.
The defeat-free year was complete after Rivera clinched the overall best time of the day in the final round of the 2017 RACE Motorsports Club – Phoenix National Slalom Series at the parking grounds of Robinsons San Fernando, Pampanga.
The Federal Tires, United Auctioneers Inc., AutoPerformance PH, and Placewell International Services Corp.-backed Rivera drove his mighty green Toyota Starlet to a winning time of 39.10, after an intense head-to-head battle with Inigo Anton, which lasted until the late nights of the race.
Rivera was able to clinch his winning time after struggling to catch Inigo’s astonishing 39.16 lap.
Completing the Top 5 were Milo’s brother Estefano Rivera, Richard Gallardo and Jevoy Moreno.
The result not just officially gave Rivera his fourth straight national plum, it also made his brother, multi-titled racer Estefano, clinch second overall in the 2017 Championship, making it a 1-2 finish by the Tough Gear stalwarts in the standings.
This will be the second time the two Riveras finished 1st and 2nd overall in this national championship after the same achievement was done last 2015.
“I could not have ended the year any better,” said the emotional Rivera, whose grandfather passed away a night leading up to the race.
“We knew what was at stake, and that was the perfect season record — and we knew Inigo had other plans in mind. We had to fight tooth and nail just to achieve that feat and we Praise God we were able to at the very last moment. It didn’t come easy at all, but I guess we really needed to be hungry for it to deserve it. Plus I guess we had a little bit of help from my Lolo when we needed it the most,” added Rivera, who also credited the young 13-year old sensation for a superb drive. “He’s already up there, and I’m sure he’ll definitely give us a run for our money next year.”
With the 2017 Philippine Motorsports season officially over, Rivera will eventually set his sights on his 2018 campaign where numerous opportunities and drives in and out of the country await.
“We praise God for such a beautiful year; we know that without His guidance and provision, none of this would have been possible. Moving forward, we shall continue to work our way towards achieving greater heights and we will certainly put our faith in Him in the process. 2018 looks very bright for us and we’re excited and optimistic with what’s to come,” added Rivera.
