2024 PHL-OX to allow ‘prototype’ rigs

The 2024 edition of the Petron Philippine Overland Expedition (PHL-OX) will allow competitors to use “prototype” rigs.

For the first time, race organizers have allowed “Frankensteins” to join the overlanding event, which will run from February 19-25, 2024.

Prototype rigs, for the uninitiated, are customized vehicles designed and engineered to suit the requirements of the driver and the terrain. Nevertheless, prototype vehicles should still have to adhere to PHL-OX safety standards to be accepted in the race.

“It must have a windshield, it should have a functioning headlight, functioning wiper, horn, and they also need to have a firewall inside,” PHL-OX Event Manager Neil Palabrica explained during a press conference.

Only one prototype rig will be allowed per team, which can use up to three rigs.

Entries could include either three production vehicles (standard vehicles fitted with required overlanding equipment), two production units plus one prototype rig, two production vehicles plus one modified rig (heavily customized units but still retain 50 percent of the vehicle’s original body structure), one production rig and two modified vehicles, or one of each.

These off-roaders will brave a course that spans from General Nakar, Quezon to Dingalan, Aurora. Competing teams will have to conquer timed stages with man-made and natural tracks designed to test the participants’ off-road driving, navigation, and recovery skills.

Further, those looking to experience and enjoy the multi-stage segments offered by the General Nakar-Dingalan course might want to register and join this year’s event as the said jungle track may no longer be available in the future as the government has plans to develop the area.

“General Nakar is part of the Pacific Coast highway development program planned by the Philippine government… If we go there, there’s a widened four-lane 20-kilometer segment that used to be a single track, so eventually, it will be turned into a road,” Mototesto Overland Equipment Chief Executive Officer and PHL-OX Event Director Tim Tuazon told Carmudi Philippines.

Up for grabs is a prize pot of P1 million with the champion team taking home P500,000.

During the presser, event organizers said that there are now 25 teams — comprised of six people — expected to participate in the upcoming event. Nevertheless, the number of teams will be capped at 30.

“One team consists of three vehicles, so we’re capping it at 30, so that’s 90 vehicles,” Tuazon said.

“This event is not about making an earning, but it’s to showcase the Philippines — to show that there are these places in the Philippines,” he added.

Interested enthusiasts may register for the event by going to www.mototesto.com.

Photos from Petron Philippine Overland Expedition and Juan Paulo Papa

Also read:

Mototesto, Petron to stage Overland Expedition: Pacific Coast Challenge in Oct.

Here are the Petron PHOX 2022 winners

PHL-OX 2024 to be more exciting than ever