Iňigo Anton shows dominant force as the SEAOIL Radical Challenge PH closes 2023 season on a high note

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November 30, 2023

Photos by Randolph de Leon

And it boiled down to this. The exciting 2023 season of the SEAOIL Radical Challenge Philippines came to an action-packed conclusion. Staged at the 4.2 km long Clark International Speedway in Pampanga, the country’s fastest racing series saw Iňigo Anton clinching the overall championship once more, making history repeat itself for the young Baguio-based racer.

But it wasn’t just Anton who stole the show as plenty of action also occurred down the grid, hottest of which was a surprise news of Juaquin “Wakken” Garrido missing out on what could have been an intensive title fight down to the wire. Yet despite Garrido’s absence, the final round wasn’t a relaxing cruise for Anton as Maguel Quiňones challenged him to a tough battle, keeping the pressure lap after lap in all 4 races of the final round. All these happening in front of new comer Matthew Edmunds who, himself, has proven to be a worthy opponent.

Qualifying

The heat of battle ignited during Friday morning’s Qualifying Round. As expected Anton demonstrated his usual dominant pace, but Quiňones didn’t let up one bit. The former clocked in a blistering 1:56.177 best lap time, which earned him the pole position, while the latter came out close in 2nd place with a 1:58.987 best lap time. In 3rd was Mike Consenheim who clocked in a 2:01.544 lap, starting the race just in front of Edmunds who registered 2:12.857.

Race 1

Friday after lunch saw Race 1 unfold. Anton and Quiňones exchanged positions almost every lap until the checkered flag which saw the former inching ahead by just 3.3 seconds, a close battle. Edmunds came in hot to secure his very first podium finish in 3rd, a nice start for the new guy on his Radical Philippines racing debut.

Race 2

Later in the afternoon, Race 2 went underway. Anton’s energy was searing enough to gain him a commanding lead against a hard-charging Quiňones. But his efforts proved not enough as Anton crossed the line in 1st place yet again, and an 8.2 second lead to boot. Edmunds took home 3rd once more.

Race 3

November 25, Saturday. The weather was extremely hot and humid, a build-up for what could become a historic day. And it all started in the morning’s Race 3 where Anton gave his all for another victorious 1st place finish. But the eyes of the crowed were in focus on the tight battle between Quiňones and Edmunds. Both fought valiantly, lap after lap. When the dust settled, Edmunds came out as the 2nd place winner, followed by Quiňones in 3rd.

Race 4

Finally, the moment of truth. It’s almost 5pm and the sun was about to set. Tensions are high, resources were almost depleted. But the battle went on. And on it went for Anton who, for the 4th time, has secured 1st place, making it a weekend sweeper for the #33 driver. Quiňones fought just as hard to keep the pressure on high ahead and behind him. For this, he managed to secure 2nd place. Mike Consenheim, in his SEAOIL blue and yellow machinery, placed 3rd to round off this year’s top 3 champions.

Whilst the 2023 SEAOIL Radical Challenge Philippines may have just wrapped up, Filipino motorists can still power their vehicles with the same SEAOIL Extreme 97 fuel just like the Radical SR1 at SEAOIL stations nationwide. Good news as every gas up worth P200 gives customers a chance to win Lifetime FREE Gas as the grand prize. This exciting promo runs from November 15, 2023 to January 15, 2024. Learn more at www.seaoil.co/LFGPromo7.

The 2023 SEAOIL Radical Challenge Philippines is powered by race-engineered SEAOIL Extreme-97 fuel with STP additives, sponsored by Kumu, Kooler, and Porsche Design Manila.

Congratulations to all!

About the Author

Randolph de Leon
Randy is a person with disability (PWD), a partially-blinded person with only his left eye functioning. Since childhood, the automobile has always been his passion, and is able to express it through photography and most recently, through writing as well. Outside the motoring beat, Randy spends time manning the media aspect of his business which he co-founded with his sister/college classmate. It's called Dragonlight Wellness and Solutions, a multi-business venture centering on improving peoples' lives through earning.