When you think of racing, for sure you will imagine cars running on a smooth track. Then there’s rallying that has stages consisting of paved roads and unpaved rural paths. For the fanatics, they may bring up desert races that really test a car’s endurance. But there’s a small race happening here in the country that includes customized 4×4 behemoths and naturally difficult terrain.
I’m talking about the Petron Philippine Overland Expedition that’s now in its second year and will happen on Feb 19 – 25, 2024. Teams of 6 with their off-road ready vehicles will be put to the ultimate test as they go through rivers, muds, uphill jungles and everything in between. This year there are more challenging obstacles and prototype rigs are now welcome to join the dirt. They will be flagged off from the General Nakar Municipal Hall in Quezon Province, and will finish at Dingalan, Aurora with multiple timed stages and challenges in between.
There will be a maximum of 6 competitors for each team, with 3 rigs each. The rigs can be composed of at least 1 production vehicle with slight modifications, any number of modified production vehicles (those that have different body size and engines but retain the production look), and a maximum of 1 prototype rig. The modified and prototype rigs must adhere to international 4×4 standards with safety in mind.
All vehicles must have full recovery and river crossing capability, requiring winch and snorkels. Teams must also have their own supplies for themselves and the vehicles, including spare parts and power sources.
Winners will be determined by points during the challenges and stages. There will be penalty points if the competitor does not adhere to safety guidelines, as basic as not wearing a seatbelt when the vehicle is not in motion.
The prize pool is at PHP 1,000,000 with the first place team taking PHP 500,000. The second place team will get PHP 200,000 and the third will get PHP 100,000. There are also special awards and performance related awards.
If you just want to enjoy nature at its fullest, camper participants are also welcome in the event in Masanga Point or Dingalan campsite on Feb 21 – 25, 2024. They will also have the option to go with the competition convoy but will have to have their car inspected on Feb 20.
You can go to mototesto.com to register or know more details by visiting the Facebook page of Philippine Overland Expedition. This is organized by Mototesto Overland Equipment Philippines and All Traction Performance, made possible by Petron Corporation, Motolite, ARB 4×4 Philippines, Bushranger, and Second Air.