The Philippine Rallycross Series (PHRX) and the Automobile Association of the Philippines (AAP) are committed to elevating the profile of rallying in the country with the upcoming Kagitingan Rally of Capas scheduled for April 27, 2024.
In collaboration with the local government of Capas, Tarlac, the Kagitingan Rally of Capas promises a thrilling dirt rally experience with special stages set along the municipality’s inner dirt roads.
The Kagitingan Rally will feature 11 special stages covering a total distance of 50 kilometers. Including the transport stages, the rally will cover a total distance of 130 kilometers. The event will kick off at 7:00 am on April 27, 2024, Saturday, starting from Capas Municipal Hall.
To mark the lead-up to the Kagitingan Rally of Capas, a ceremonial flag-off was held at Estancia Mall in Capitol Commons, Pasig City, on April 20, 2024.
The ceremonial flag-off was presided over by AAP president Augustus ‘Joe’ Ferreria, AAP Motorsport Committee chairman and motorsports veteran Mandy Eduque, PHRX director Olson Camacho, and PHRX director Ronnie Trinidad.
This event promoted the rally motorsport discipline to the public and allowed mall-goers to get up close with the rally cars. Additionally, it served as the scrutineering area for all competing rally cars, ensuring they met the safety requirements, including the presence of safety roll cages.
Jun Espino Memorial Rallycross
Another recent collaboration between the Philippine Rallycross Series (PHRX) and the Automobile Association Philippines (AAP) was the Jun Espino Memorial Rallycross. The special race was held at the CCP Open Grounds on April 6, 2024, the third day of the 2024 edition of the Manila International Auto Show (MIAS).
The CCP Open Grounds, steeped in rallycross history, provided a fitting venue for the event, and its proximity to the MIAS venue offered a prime opportunity to demonstrate the resurgence of rally racing to a large audience.
PHRX Director Olson Camacho paid tribute to the late Jun Espino, acknowledging his pivotal role in revitalizing rally racing in the Philippines. Espino, a legendary rally navigator during the 1970s and 1980s, was well-known in the local racing scene but also represented the country in various international competitions. His legacy lives on as a mentor to many Filipino champion drivers.
The Jun Espino Memorial Rallycross doubled as the fourth round of the PHRX 2024 season and drew 65 entries across various race classes. Notable figures from the local automotive industry were present at the race, including AAP President Joe Ferreria, AAP Motorsport Chairperson Mandy Eduque, and Isuzu Philippines Corporation assistant division head for marketing Robert Carlos. World-renowned precision driver and Guinness record holder Russ Swift also made a special appearance between his shows at the MIAS and drove a Subaru Impreza around the track.
Visit the Philippine Rallycross Series and AAP Motorsports official Facebook pages for more information.
The Kagitingan Rally of Capas is made possible by Capas LGU, Isuzu Philippines Corporation, Autoplus Sports, Ravenol Motor Oils, CleanFuel, Aguila Auto Glass, Method Race Wheels, AC Delco, CDS Offroad Playground, and Arden Botanical Estate.