THE 2024 SEAOIL Radical Challenge Philippines kicked off at the Batangas Racing Circuit (BRC) over the weekend, with high stakes and intense competition in both the SR1 and SR3 Challenge Cups. The season opener featured a mixed grid of Radical SR1 and SR3 vehicles, delivering action across three races and producing four different class winners.
Qualifying saw Mikey Jordan set the fastest lap in his SEAOIL-livered SR3, a surprising achievement given his limited experience in a Radical and his late arrival at the track. Rainy Medina, driving an SR1, followed closely, hinting at the competitive nature of the races to come.
Race 1 started under cloudy skies, with Jordan in the lead. However, Medina in the Autoholic Garage SR1 managed to pass him after a few laps. Meanwhile, Portuguese driver Andre Rodrigues in an SR3 was closing in on Jordan, overtaking him in the final laps. Medina finished first overall, securing the SR1 Challenge Cup victory, while Rodrigues claimed the SR3 class win in his debut race. Sydney Sarmiento finished second in the SR1 category.
Race 2 began with Sarmiento on pole, leading the field into the first corner. Medina quickly took P2, followed by Rodrigues and Jordan. Medina and Sarmiento’s battle for the lead ended in a collision, dropping them to the back of the pack. This opened the door for Rodrigues and Jordan to fight for the SR3 lead, with Rodrigues taking the win after Jordan experienced technical issues. Matthew Edmunds secured the SR1 Challenge Cup victory, with Medina in second and Sarmiento in third.
In Race 3, Rodrigues initially took the lead, but Medina once again moved up to P2, splitting the SR3s. Jordan eventually overtook Medina and pressured Rodrigues for the lead. A mistake by Rodrigues allowed Jordan to claim first place in the SR3 Challenge Cup. Medina continued his strong performance, winning the SR1 Challenge Cup, followed by Sarmiento in second and Edmunds in third.
The next round of the 2024 SEAOIL Radical Challenge Philippines will take place at the Clark International Speedway from October 11 to 13.
