Isuzu Philippines Corp. (IPC) sponsored the Rally Driving Immersion Project (RDIP), where motoring media personalities were able to get behind the wheel of rally-prepped pickup trucks to experience rally driving. The project advances driving skills by providing participants with formal training on rally driving techniques to be given by top rally drivers of the Philippines.
The RDIP, in partnership with the Philippine Rally School (PRS) and the Philippine Rallycross Series (PHRX), recently held a one-day rally clinic for motoring media participants last October 5 at the rallycross facility of the Pradera Verde Estates in Lubao, Pampanga.
The PRS, with veteran rally drivers Jun Magno, Steve Acayan, and Denise Santos, taught the participants the basics of rally driving in a controlled dirt course. Among the basics learned were proper driving position, rally lines (apexing), braking, car control on loose surfaces, basic maneuvers, and driving on a skid pad.
The skills acquired from the Rally Clinic aim to provide motoring journalists with an in-depth knowledge on car-control so that they will be able to relay to their readers the real capabilities, along with power, and performance, of the cars they test for their respective publications.
Representatives from The Philippine STAR, Manila Bulletin, Manila Times, Tribune, Business Mirror, Business World, C! Magazine, AutoIndustriya, GoFlatOut, Visor, CarGuide PH, Motoring Today, Auto Review, Wheels Philippines, and Autocar participated in the RDIP Rally Clinic.
The powerful and reliable Isuzu D-Max 3.0-liter 4×4 AT is the vehicle of choice for the RDIP, with its powerful 4JJ1-TC four-cylinder inline DOHC turbo-intercooled diesel engine developing 163ps and 380Nm of torque.
Recently, IPC launched the New D-Max LS-A with the powerful and fuel-efficient 4JJ1-TCX 3.0-liter four-cylinder inline Blue Power diesel engine with VGS turbo-intercooler that generates 177ps and 380Nm of torque. It is initially available in a 4×4 variant.
A brainchild of veteran motoring journalist Anjo Perez, the RDIP aims to help raise the popularity of the event rally racing through the experiential ride and drive event for the media. “It is usually the motoring media who write about these races and it would only be fitting for them to experience and know exactly what a rally driver experiences during a race,” Perez said. “Hopefully, after undergoing the Rally Driving Immersion Project, motoring journalists can convey the first-person experience of the events, or situations that transpires during the event,” he added
Powering the project is Isuzu Philippines Corporation fielding their ever-reliable Isuzu D-Max pickup truck. Providing surefootedness on the loose roads of BlackRhino Wheels, and Nitto Tires. Improving the visibility is PIAA, Sonax and CTEK, with Ichiro Motor Oils improving engine performance. Making sure that the D-Max is always well lubricated is Wuerth Philippines while RedBull provided added strength for the participants.
To know more about the Isuzu D-MAX LS-A, its new features and pricing, log on to www.isuzuphil.com or visit any Isuzu dealership nationwide.