IÑIGO Anton clinched the Philippine Autocross Championship Series (Pacs) Open Class championship last Sunday held at Acienda Outlet Mall, Silang. Cavite after six straight wins.
After winning in all six rounds, Anton, the Yokohama-Mark Young Racing driver became the youngest Open Class championing PACS’ history at 15 years of age.
“I’d first like to dedicate this championship to my Tito Lennel Diaz who always supported and believed in me ever since I started racing. I can’t believe we won the championship this early. It was my goal this year to win the open championship. I will do my best to make it a double win by also winning in the Overall Championship and try to beat my dad,” Anton said jokingly after the race.
With just two more rounds to go, Iñigo trails his father Carlos, by just 10 points in the overall championship.
It will be a close fight to the end as both father and son have been swapping overall wins all year.
“I know Iñigo will be going for the overall championship this year but he has to beat me in the coming races to take it. I will certainly not lose to a 15–year–old,” the older Anton said in jest.
The 6th round was run in mixed weather conditions as rains came early in the morning, then the track dried up at noon and it rained again at 3 p.m. making it tricky for the racers during the runs.
Iñigo set the pace early by making a 35.71 second run on board his Cars Unlimited-Mohspeed Ef but his axle broke and had to be sidelined.
Carlos, using his Castrol-ADVAN CRX, set an even quicker time of 34.95 seconds in the best condition -between the wet and dry track just before noon.
Iñigo had to switch to his father’s race car for the rest of his runs but could only manage a time of 35.16 seconds for the day.
Iñigo also set a 36.18 second run to clinch the Open Class over Robert Tan in a supercharged Yaris (36.35 seconds) and Jeff Borja (36.96 seconds)in a Honda Jazz.
The Antons are backed by Yokohama-ADVAN, Mark Young Racing, Cars Unlimited, MPTurbo, Mohspeed, Parts Pro, JSD Autosport, Special Stage, Kilton, and Kart Plaza.