Enthusiasts flock to Hill Climb Orientation

OVER 40 motor racing aficionados trooped to the Speedzone in the Bonifacio Global City in Taguig on March 8 for an Orientation in line with the 2007 Philippine Hill Climb Series, which is set to begin on March 31 at an as yet undisclosed venue.

Organized by the Hill Climb Club of the Philippines (HCCP), which counts among its members former Rally Co-Driver of the Year Blue Reyna; karting, circuit racing and rally champion Edgen Dy-Liacco, veteran rally driver Albert Narciso, rallyist and off-roader Jojo Macaraeg, outdoorsman and adventurer Ernie Garcia, and motoring journalist Popong Andolong, the Series, which is sanctioned by the Automobile Association of the Philippines, will comprise three rounds to be held on March 31, April 28 and May 19.

In keeping with Hill Climbing’s sporting nature, the venues, which are public roads closed to normal traffic on the day of the events, will only be announced during a briefing to be held two days before each round, and drivers will be required to drive solo, that is, without the help of a navigator.

Vehicles will be classified into four categories: 1600 cc and below; and 1601 cc to 1999 cc; 2000 cc and above; and Historic Cars. A factor of 1.5 will be applied to engines with forced induction systems such as turbo- and superchargers.

During the Orientation, HCCP president Blue Reyna officially opened the Club’s membership campaign and announced the first round briefing and scrutineering, which will be held on March 26 and 29, respectively, the venues of which will be announced soon.

Only bona fide members with valid civil drivers’ licenses will be allowed to compete in the first round. Interested parties may contact the HCCP Secretariat at 833-8386 for more information.