Car Porn Racing, in collaboration with Parts Pro, bagged historic wins in the recent 2018 Kalayaan Cup held at the Clark International Speedway.
Topping off CPR’s trophy haul was in the FM1 class championship with a 4th generation MX-5 Miata in the country’s first ever 12-hour endurance race.
The famed car shop brought together a dream team of former multi-titled champions known for their fearless driving in the rain.
Topping off the roster of drivers were former Formula 4 champion and Karter of the Year Gabe Tayao, drift champion Kevin Tayao, Vios Cup winner Marc Soong, Fors champion Errol Panganiban, slalom driver Iñigo Anton and the legendary Carlos Anton.
Before this endurance challenge, Gabe also represented Car Porn Racing in collaboration with DMF Drift in the recent King of Nations. Also backed by Seaoil, 18-year-old Gabe landed in top 4 of the amateur class, earning the privilege to move up and compete in the pro class that same weekend.
Proving to be a formidable multi-disciplined driver, Gabe placed well for the team in the Kalayaan Cup qualifying time trials a day before the race proper despite the raging monsoon weather.
Starting off at 6th place in a 23-car grid put the team at a significant advantage.
However, Gabe hurdled a bigger challenge on race day. Battling a high fever, he had no choice but to start for the team at the crack of dawn in the pouring rain. Enduring two hours of continuous driving, Gabe was able to initially bank 45 laps for the team.
Taking over the wheel was 13-year-old Iñigo. The teenager, maintained Gabe’s pace, this time logging 50 laps in over two hours of driving. Gabe’s uncle Kevin, showed that his long hiatus from racing hadn’t diminished his driving prowess. As the rains poured harder, the former drift champion managed to keep the pace with over 40 laps, enduring an excruciating drive for almost three hours.
Panganiban, on the other hand, remained unfazed as the weather conditions worsened.
Initial problems with safety belts emerged when it was Soong’s turn behind the wheel. Despite that, Soong set aside his safety and kept driving to maintain the team’s good standing.
An essential strategy of the team was to finish strong and veteran driver Carlos proved that he was the perfect guy to take on the task. He showed no signs of slowing down despite the heavy rains and clocked in enough laps to make sure the team got a podium finish.
Apart from the FM1 Class championship, Car Porn Racing won the FM1 12-Hr Endurance Challenge 1st Runner-Up, Team 4 Hrs. 2nd Overall, RP Class 12-Hr Endurance 2nd Runner-Up and 12-Hr Endurance Race Overall 2nd Runner Up.