PH Rallycross' drivers: the men behind the 'revived' sport

Rallying in the Philippines started as early as 1962, died a natural death in the early 2000s and rose up again in 2015, thanks to motorsport enthusiasts Olson Camacho and Ronaldo Trinidad.

The said sport — now getting more attention than ever — was revived through the Philippine Rallycross series — a grassroot program that recently got the backing of the Automobile Association of the Philippines (AAP).

But what makes Camacho and Trinidad credible organizers of the sport? Here are some notable details about the two.

Camacho

Aside from putting up the Philippine Rallycross Series, Camacho also was part of various events in the field by serving as a director for the 4x4 Rally Raid, Luzon 4x4 Federation, Outdoor Challenge Philippines, Philippine Rally, and Philippine Rally School.

But his love for the sport did not start there. He boasts extensive experience in the Philippine motoring industry, entering the industry as a rally driver in the 90’s. In his active years in local rally racing, he claimed various titles and achieved high overall finishes.

Per Camacho, the goal of reviving rallying came from a mix of his love for rallying and receiving directives from Jun Espino, one of the notable personalities in the local motorsport scene.

Trinidad

A gearhead since the late 80’s, Trinidad shared that he spent most of his lunch money attending local races. His love for cars grew further when he put up the automotive show "Hotwire TV", which aired in 2004-2009.

He formally entered the motorsport scene as an event producer in 2009 through Lateral Drift. After that, he has also produced his own motorsport events, which lead to him and Camacho crossing paths to put up the now Philippine Rallycross Series.

Like Camacho, Trinidad’s drive comes from his passion in the field and sees rallying as one of the most convenient ways to get into motorsport.

Over the years, the Philippine Rallycross Series garnered support. They are Isuzu Philippines Corporation, Ravenol, Cleanfuel, Aguila Autoglass, Method Race Wheels, AC Delco Philippines, Driftwoods Action Park, CW Home Depot, Cavite Ideal International Construction and Development Corporation, Tyron Runflat, A-Toy Customs, Pradera Estates, Impenetra, Ironman 4x4, Clark Global City, Bases Conversion and Development Authority, and Clark Development Corporation.

“Rallying has already been a part of the rich history of the Philippine motorsport and this time around, we will strive to make it livelier than ever,” Camacho said. 

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