Rosario, Batangas—It was a showcase of talent, skills and a little bit of luck for Alfred Jakob Sablaya in Round 2 of Honda Pilipinas Dream Cup after winning Race 3 & 4 last June 3.
The riders’ energy was high to begin with as they started their practice last June 2.
The results showed that the riders had improved their time, making them more confident in the Qualifying round in the afternoon.
Sablaya had a record of 2:06.953, a difference of +0.051 sec from his best time during Round 1 of the HPDC, followed by his closest rival, Sean Barcial with a best time of 2:07.549 who was then followed by Kervie Bergania of 2:08.526, taking the 1st Grid. The 2nd Grid was taken by Wyner Blente, Andrei Reyes and Jasper Cruz, followed by Erika and Sean Ondillo for the 3rd Grid.
The spirit of competition was already high and ready for the race. However, it was unfortunate for Blente as he sprained his left hand during the warm up session, forcing him not to participate in Race 3 & 4. As the riders positioned at the grid, Rider #8 committed a “jumpstart” violation and was given a 10 sec. penalty. It was a consistent battle for the lead group by Sablaya, Barcial and Bergania, while the 2nd group proved to be exciting as well. This group included Ondillo, Cruz and Reyes.
However at the 5th Lap, Cruz slid off at the last corner.
“I tried to make my way through at the last corner but my decision paid the price. I will do my best in Race 4,” said Cruz.
It was a neck-and-neck battle between Barcial and Sablaya as the former took the lead from Lap 1 to 7. Sablaya was protecting his position from Barcial who was following him from behind all throughout the race.
However at the Last Lap, Sablaya managed to steal the position on the last corner, securing 1st place at the end of the race. Barcial had secured 2nd place and Bergania 3rd place.
At the beginning of Race 4, the young riders were more determined and aggressive to take the lead. As the pack approached the 1st corner, Bergania slid off the pack breaking the group into 2. The 1st group was led by Sablaya, Barcial and Reyes, while the 2nd group consisted of Erika Ondillo, Cruz and Sean Ondillo.
Each group has made the race exciting to watch as they showed what they were made of, which was pure determination to win.
As the checkered flag was raised on the 8th Lap, it was Sablaya who emerged victorious taking the Podium Finish with a total time of 16:56.982 and with a fastest lap time of 2:05.999 followed by Barcial who had a total of 16:57.378 and with a fastest lap time of 2:05.916.