The track layout may have been simple, but the challenge was real at the debut indoor Gymkhana Pilipinas (GP) Practice in Deparo, Caloocan City – where even the floor became a fierce opponent.
Held inside a massive 4,800-square-meter warehouse courtesy of GP Venue Partner YanYan International Philippines Inc., the event drew over 35 drivers competing in the Community Class. In a thrilling showdown, Paolo Macaraig blazed to victory with a 43.64-second lap in his finely tuned Honda Brio, reclaiming the top spot he narrowly missed earlier this year.
Hot on his heels was autocross legend Richard Sanchez, who secured 2nd with a 43.92-second run in his automatic Toyota Yaris. Close behind was another autocross champion, Rommel Aguilera, who made a strong GP debut with a 45.61-second lap in his orange Honda Civic EG.
For just P1,000, participants got unlimited practice and two-timed runs, making it one of the most accessible motorsport events around. Winners also received gift packs from YanYan – a leader in Philippine snack and beverage exports.
Newcomers Make Waves in One-Make Gymkhana Battle
In a groundbreaking collaboration between EG Cars Rentals and GP, the event also featured the first-ever One-Make Gymkhana Battle, giving sim racers a real-world taste of motorsport. For a budget-friendly fee, participants got an “arrive and drive” package – complete with coaching from racing champ Luis Moreno.
Taking top honors was J.K. Pelayo, a seasoned sim racer, who clocked 47.96 seconds in the automatic Toyota Vios 1300. Rounding out the podium were James Malubay (50.26s) and Mark Lester Aquino (56.77s), also in the same car model.
EVs Join the Action
GP continues to innovate, becoming the first driving event in the Philippines to include a dedicated Electrified Vehicle Class.
Drivers with battery-electric or full-hybrid cars can join both this class and the Community Class at no extra cost – a move applauded by eco-conscious drivers and motorsports fans alike.
Comeback King: Macaraig’s Redemption Drive
After a narrow defeat at the February GP Practice in Cainta, Macaraig bounced back with a vengeance.
“This win means a lot. It’s not just about being fastest – it’s about proving to myself that I can adapt when conditions are tricky,” he said. “The polished concrete floor was like ice – every run felt like a dance, and getting it right was pure adrenaline.”
He also praised the indoor venue for protecting drivers from the scorching summer sun and giving them a new kind of challenge.
“It was slippery – and honestly, that made it more fun,” Macaraig added. “If you want to build skill in a safe, supportive environment, you’ve got to try GP!”
Veteran Racer, New Challenge
Despite taking a year off from competition, J.K. Pelayo showed he’s still a force to be reckoned with. He raced both his Mitsubishi Lancer and the EG Cars Vios, and clinched his first-ever GP class win.
“This one’s special – my first Gymkhana Pilipinas class win,” said Pelayo. “It also helped that we didn’t get cooked by the sun! The surface really forced us to drive smart, not aggressive.”
A long-time sim racer, Pelayo believes GP is the best entry point for those looking to transition from the digital track to the real one.
“GPs arrive-and-drive setup is perfect for first timers. Speeds are manageable, safety is top-notch, and it’s an ideal training ground no matter your experience.”
Sim Racers Shine at GP Sim Challenge
While drivers were tearing up the warehouse floor, the GP Sim Racing Challenge – run with Apex Racing Philippines – was also in full swing.
Abe Mahinay topped the Beginner Class, while journalist and sim racing enthusiast Gab Senires took the Skilled Class crown. Both won Free GP Entry Vouchers, with Senires graciously gifting his prize to 2nd-placer Mark Lester Aquino.
“From the turnout at both the track and the sim rigs, it’s clear GP brings together drivers from all backgrounds,” said VJ Bacungan, GP Executive Director and Angelspeed President. “Our partnership with EG Cars Rentals is just the beginning – expect more exciting events that connect the dots between sim racing and grassroots motorsports.”
Gymkhana Pilipinas is not just a racing event – it’s a growing community that embraces newcomers, supports veterans, and keeps innovation at its core. Whether you’re a seasoned driver, a sim racing champ, or just curious to try something new – GP is where the rubber meets the fun.