Why does it rain all the time when there’s an inter-club karting event at SpeedZone?  I guess it’s fate.  The clouds opened wide at around 11 am, and the weather was teasing the participants with drizzles the rest of the day.  One thing good about rain though is that it equalizes the playing field.  It’s so easy to spin-out if your not careful enough, even if you’re an experienced karter.
 
Registration started at 12noon, and the race proper was delayed by a wayward test-driver, that almost ran over some guards at the Fort.  Causing us a precious hour in waiting time!  Finally, after everybody did their share of the mandatory test-drive of the new FORD FOCUS…we were whisked away to attend the briefing at the conference hall and sat through an AVP of the car’s features.  After which, the drivers were immediately asked to don their suits and take on the track.  Our contingent consisted of Arman Concha(NSL), Roger Ortiz (Dangbu69) together with her daughter Marian, Neil Agapito (impulse101), Grace Malinao (Mrs. Cereal Killer), Ravien Bracero (Ravxlt) and Ryan Lucas(poorboys).

The track session went on with a 10-minute practice, followed by a 6-minute qualifying race that would determine 4 groupings of 15 karts each.  From this selection, the fastest drivers will be mixed with the rest to ensure a fair fight.  After that, the top drivers will be grouped together for a pre-final race.  Only 12 racers will be sifted from this group and will go on to the finals.  It’s a winner take-all race, with the 3rd and 2nd placer getting a trophy, and the champion gets himself a trophy and a set of brand-new Goodyear Ducaro tires! 

Our very own Ryan Lucas (poorboys) proved to be a force to reckon with, qualifying  3rd in all races and finishing 5th in the pre-finals.  He went home swearing to comeback next year with a vengeance.  Rav Bracero was also taking up to the challenge placing 6th.

Although none of us got the top prizes, everybody went home happy taking part in the all-you-can eat buffet, and beer/drinks.  Plus, goody bags each containing C!/Evo magazines, a Ford racing cap and a Smart buddy SIM card.  Not bad, to think it only costs 500php!  That’s even cheaper than 1 regular 12-minute run at Speedzone!  So if you want to join us for events like these, don’t hesitate! You’ll get your money’s worth.  Like what they say - when it rains, it pours.