First-ever ‘Rally of Lubang’ a success: organizers

MANILA: Organizers of the first-ever “AAP (Automobile Association Philippines) Rally of Lubang” described the two-day motorsport event as “successful” following the huge gathering of participants and spectators.

Last June 27-28, hundreds of spectators lined up at the stages to see all 17 rally drivers — together with their respective co-drivers — maneuver their BMWs, Hondas, Mazdas,  Subarus, and Toyotas through the 110-kilometer, all-tarmac competition made up of long stretches, sharp curves, jumps, and S-bends.

One of the numerous events lined up under this year’s Motorsport Carnivale, the premiere rally event sanctioned by the AAP is said to be the closest program in the country to the globally-renowned World Rally Championship.

Part of the 2025 Philippine National Rally Championship (PNRC) series, the two-round Rally of Lubang is made up of night- and day-races.

Round 2 was the highly-challenging night race wherein competitors needed to complete six stages. Amid the challenging terrain enveloped with sheer darkness, participants navigate through the track with a 61-kilometer distance.

The next day drivers and co-drivers started early for the daytime rally that is the PNRC’s Round 3. While this allowed them to see the tarmac clearly, the 55-kilometer setup is as challenging and as exciting as the night race.

AAP Head of Motorsports Rikki Dy-Liacco was elated with the turnout of the event, expressing firm belief that the event has much contributed to introducing the island of Lubang as a tourist destination.

“This is clearly a positive move towards the revival of rallying in the Philippines where in the 70's and 80's, we were a prime destination for international competitors. The Rally of Lubang will definitely be included in the future staging of not just a national championship round, but when we are ready to host an international rally," he assured.

For his part, PNRC Head Olson Camacho echoed Dy-Liacco’s sentiments.

“The historic AAP Rally of Lubang was indeed a success. We saw a huge crowd turnout while those who took part in the races experienced the warm hospitality and appreciation from the locals. We are looking forward to mounting future events in this majestic island, which the PNRC and rally drivers can now call home,” PNRC Head Olson Camacho said.

Further, he expressed gratitude to the AAP and the Municipality of Lubang led by newly-re-elected mayor Michael Orayani for the support to the program.

The overall safety in the event was guaranteed by the organizers — with Isuzu Philippines Corporation being the event’s official vehicle partner.

While the AAP and PNRC has yet to release the official tally of scores, Dy-Liacco noted that the inter-island rally saw major upsets with first timers challenging veterans for the much-coveted category wins.

Prior to the race, the local government agency, event organizers, and all the participants conducted community service initiatives such as coastal cleanup and tree planting activities.

Also read:

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

PHRX gets boost from AAP to further promote rallying

2023 Tarlac Rally Season Opener is PHRX’s ‘Most Exhilarating Rally Yet’

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