Seaoil Radical Challenge Series 2023 season-opener filled with drama, excitement

The kick-off for this year’s Seaoil Radical Challenge Philippines proved to be as thrilling as ever as the competition was filled with drama and excitement coming from veteran racers and newcomers.

Held last July 21-23 at the Clark International Speedway (CIS), the grid for the season-opener of the race series (currently on its second year) was filled with racers from various motorsport background such as karting, drifting, touring and sim racing — all piloting Radical SR1 units powered by Seaoil Extreme 97 fuel.

Last year’s series champion Iñigo Anton has yet to secure a victory as Joaquin Garrido and Jason Choachuy secured the top spots for the two races last weekend.

Race 1 highlights

Anton, who was eager to defend his crown, set a best time of 1:57.299 in the qualifying round — just 0.419 seconds ahead of his closest rival Garrido who lined up second on the grid.

Amid the positioning, Garrido immediately got a good start, taking the lead from Anton away on the run to the first corner.

On the other hand, Choachuy — who missed out the qualifier and started at the tail of the grid — flew to second place that relegated Anton to the third spot during the early part of Race 1.

Anton was not yet ready to give up the P2 and after jostling for position with Choachuy, the former was able to regain the spot from the latter.

The last year’s champion then set quick, consistent laps to cut down the Garrido’s to less than a second but the Radical Challenge rookie defended his position against Anton — earning his first win in his debut at the event.

Anton crossed the checkered flag trailing Garrido followed by Choachuy.

Race 2 highlights

For Race 2, Atoy Llave piloting the #55 blue-and-yellow Seaoil Racing SR1 started pole in the reverse grid setup. However, Choachuy muscled his way through the field — within Anton and Garrido tailing him.

The three aggressively fought for the lead as they swapped positions at almost every lap.

As Anton was trying to take the top spot from Choachuy, the two figured in heated wheel-to-wheel action that led to Anton going back to the pits with a puncture.

Garrido also tried to get the lead from Choachuy. However, the young driver encountered an engine malfunction, allowing Choachuy on board the #78 blue-and-black TrackHos SR1 to cruise to victory at the end of 12 laps.

Multiple-time karting champion Miguel Quiñones of DRQ Motorsports ended his series debut in second place while Garrido, who was able to restart his car, crossed the finish line in third place.

Choachuy, who was able to dethrone the frontrunners, said that what helped him in his performance that day was his “winning mindset” and his confidence in his own capabilities as a driver. “To become the champion, you must beat the champion,” he shared.

 Meanwhile, Seaoil Philippines Head of B2C Segment Marketing Edward Cruz expressed delight over the season opener of the races. “It was truly an exhilarating race weekend that saw the return of familiar faces to the grid, but we are also equally excited to welcome new ones and be part of their racing journey,” he said.

“Just like in 2022, we are once again powering each team with world-class SEAOIL Extreme-97 fuel with STP additives which is designed for high performance, and this is readily available to all Filipino motorists in our more than 750 stations nationwide. Together with Radical Cars Philippines, we can't wait for the next race in the BRC (Batangas Racing Circuit) in September.”

For his part, Radical Challenge Philippines Race Director Marlon Stockinger was also elated over the return of the series.

“The season opener gave us a fantastic set of races. I’m also glad to see new drivers coming in from the karting scene. We have a good number of young drivers progressing through grassroots motorsports in the Philippines and it was exciting to watch them showcase their skills in the Radical,” he noted.

To note, Radical Challenge Philippines opened its second season following the recently-forged three-year deal with Seaoil Philippines. As the championships’ title partner and official fuel supplier, the country’s leading independent fuel provider supplies the SR1 race cars with Seaoil Extreme-97 as the series’ approved fuel.

The Round 2 is set on September 22-24 at the BRC.

Photos from Radical Challenge Philippines

Also read:

Thrill fills 2nd round of 2022 Seaoil Radical Challenge

Radical Motorsport launches 228hp SR3 XXR

Radical Motorsport slaps new engine on SR1 XXR