2024 Philippine Motorsport Expo shows racing fire still burns strong

Drift cars were on display for those who love going sideways --PHOTOS BY VJ BACUNGAN

For car lovers, motorsports represents the pinnacle of a never-ending passion for what others treat as mere transportation.

The dream to get on and climb the racing ladder has been expressed in many forms locally. And that’s what everyone got last weekend at this year’s Philippine Motorsport Expo (PMX), which was held at Blue Bay Walk in Pasay City.

“The Philippine Motorsport Expo aims to be a venue to bring together all the stakeholders of motorsports,” said Jill Tan of PMX organizer Gmet Events in an exclusive interview with Inquirer Mobility.

“We bring together brands, race car drivers and race organizers all in one venue so that, hopefully, they could all connect in an effort to grow the motorsport industry,” she added.

From karts to full-blown Radical race cars, motorsport fans get a glimpse of the fastest circuit cars

Bigger than ever

Tan said the third PMX generated much greater interest from everybody involved in motorsport, boasting over 50 exhibitors and around 60 race cars.

Big-name brands at this year’s PMX included: PartsPro, Rota, PIAA, Ravenol, ARB, Recaro, Momo and CTEK. Nissan, BMW and Lexus also set up booths where visitors could check out and test drive their latest models, including the twin-turbocharged Z sports car, the M2 sports car and the LBX hybrid crossover.

“It’s just a sign that motorsports is really back and that it’s growing in the country,” Tan said. “We really plan this to be an annual event. Hopefully, it continues and it gets bigger and better through the years.”

Something for everyone

Meanwhile, visitors who wanted to discover more about getting into racing had plenty of choice.

Organizers of the country’s premier events like the Petron Bracket & Grid Racing Championships, Philippine RallycrossSeries, Philippine Autocross Championship Series, Full Throttle Weekend, Radical Cup Philippines, Philminiracers Classic Mini Championship and Super Sprint gave drivers a chance to learn which discipline suited them.

These specially prepared rally cars are ready to take on the toughest dirt special stages

And for those who wanted a taste of the fast-growing world of simulator racing, Stregawo hosted four competitions where drivers vied for exciting prizes in the disciplines of drifting, circuit racing and rally.

A newcomer to PMX was Dirt University, which was established in February 2024 by friends Geoffrey Solidum and Alex Gabriel as a friendly and cost-effective way to enter the exciting world of rally.

“Dirt University started as an organization that targeted university students to join in on the fun of rallying, but bit by bit, it became a first step for everyone into dirt driving,” Solidum told Inquirer Mobility in an exclusive interview.

Gabriel said their event does away with the intimidating and expensive task of building a full-blown rally car – participants can rent two fully-prepared cars onsite, with experienced instructors available to teach drivers the dynamics of dirt driving.

“Here at Dirt University, we try to provide the experience whereby all you have to bring is yourself,” he said.

While others leave their supercars in the garage, this team drives their rides hard on the track

For the love of the game

PMX visitors last weekend were also able to listen to veteran racers about the latest and greatest in their fields.

Drivers like Marlon Stockinger, Inigo Anton and Axel Nocom gave their take on competing on the global stage. And to show that racing isn’t just a man’s world, Maila Alivia, Kathy Villar, Ashley Aquino, Angel Andal, Weeds Valenzuela and Ivanna Valenzuela discussed the challenges and triumphs of being women in motorsport.

For some visitors, attending this year’s PMX was a badge of honor for a racing season well-spent.

“I’m here since for the championship awarding of Super Sprint and support our friends in motorsport,” said PMX first-timer Glendel Cuento, in an exclusive interview with Inquirer Mobility.

In two years of racing his trusty Toyota Yaris, Cuento bagged three class championships and three additional overall podium finishes in this year’s Super Sprint (also run by Gmet Events), where he was also named this year’s Fastest Intermediate driver.

“I found PMX inspiring and motivating since we are able to see our idols in motorsport,” he said. “And I enjoy racing because you can challenge yourself in friendly competitions – all that effort in preparing yourself and your car is really worth it, especially when you win.”