The Philippine Autocross Championship Series (PACS) returned to Mindanao with a bang, hosting its 1st Southern Round on June 11, 2023, at Robinson’s Place in Iligan City, Lanao del Norte. The whole-day event brought together talented drivers from different categories, delivering thrilling races and unforgettable moments for motorsport enthusiasts.
PACS, known for its rich history spanning two decades, made a triumphant return to Mindanao after focusing on Luzon for several years. PACS Race Director, Sam Santiago-Escalante is the daughter of the late PACS founder and racing legend Danny Santiago. She has expressed her excitement about bringing back the Visayas and Mindanao rounds, following in her father’s footsteps.
The 1st Southern Round featured intense competition across various categories, showcasing the passion and skill of the drivers. From Novice to Open Class, each participant displayed their determination and pushed the boundaries of motorsport excellence…
Novice Category:
In the Novice category, Hanstin Abdullah emerged as the winner in the Novice Modified A class, showcasing his exceptional driving skills with a time of 1:09.1. Alex Pinto and Joma Concepcion secured the second and third positions, respectively, in the Novice Modified A class. Bangcola Macarambon and Nonin Lim also impressed, finishing fourth and fifth, respectively, in the Novice Stock B and Novice Modified A classes.
Novice Overall Round 1
| Rank | Driver | Total Time |
| 1st | Hanstin Abdullah | 01:09.1 |
| 2nd | Alex Pinto | 01:10.6 |
| 3rd | Joma Concepcion | 01:11.3 |
Ladies Category:
ZHAO BG Barandia showcased her skills and took the top spot in the Ladies A class with a time of 1:13.7. Nichole Domaub secured the second position in the Ladies B class, followed by Noemi Dimaporo in third. Reese Pizarro and Haya Saber also performed admirably, securing the fourth and fifth positions, respectively.
Ladies Round 1
| Rank | Driver | Total Time |
| 1st | ZHAO BG Barandia | 01:13.7 |
| 2nd | Nichole Domaub | 01:21.2 |
| 3rd | Noemi Dimaporo | 01:26.5 |
Open Class:
In the highly competitive Open Class, Mark Bernales emerged as the winner, clocking an impressive time of 01:05.97 in the Motul Open C class. Cobi Pizarro secured the second position in the Motul Experienced A class, followed by Kent Lignes in third. Hanstin Abdullah and Nani Dimacaling also delivered strong performances, finishing fourth and fifth, respectively, in the Motul Open B class.
Open Overall Round 1
| Rank | Driver | Total Time |
| 1st | Mark Bernales | 01:05.97 |
| 2nd | Cobi Pizarro | 01:06.06 |
| 3rd | Kent Lignes | 01:07.11 |
Overall
The Overall category witnessed exceptional performances from top drivers, demonstrating their mastery of the track. Cobi Pizarro’s relentless determination paid off as he clinched the top spot with an impressive time of 01:06.5 in the Experienced Modified A class. Hanstin Abdullah showcased his skills in the Front Wheel Drive A class, securing the second position with a time of 01:07.6. Mark Bernales demonstrated his expertise in the All Honda A class, claiming the third position with a time of 01:08.6. Alex Pinto displayed his talents in the Novice Modified A, securing the fourth position with a time of 01:10.63. Ato Mua showcased remarkable driving skills in the Experienced Modified C class, rounding off the top five with a time of 01:11.02.
Overall Round 1
| Rank | Driver | Total Time |
| 1st | COBI PIZARRO | 01:06.5 |
| 2nd | HANSTIN ABDULLAH | 01:07.6 |
| 3rd | MARK BERNALES | 01:08.6 |
DBS Class
The DBS class, named in honor of the late founder of PACS, Danny Santiago, showcased intense competition among drivers who pushed their limits to secure top positions. Cobi Pizarro demonstrated exceptional driving skills and emerged as the winner in the DBS class with a time of 01:09.81. Nonin Lim and Joma Concepcion followed closely, securing the second and third positions, respectively. Paui Pizarro and Jaidan Batuampar also showcased their talent, finishing fourth and fifth, respectively.
D.B.S CLASS Round 1
| Rank | Driver | Total Time |
| 1st | Cobi Pizarro | 01:09.81 |
| 2nd | Nonin Lim | 01:14.54 |
| 3rd | Joma Concepcion | 01:14.87 |
The 1st Southern Round of PACS delivered thrilling races and memorable moments for both participants and spectators. The organizers extend their congratulations to all the winners and participants for their outstanding performances. The success of the event has reaffirmed PACS’ commitment to providing exhilarating motorsport experiences to fans across the Philippines.
PACS also pays homage to its late founder, Danny Santiago, by naming the DBS class after him. Danny Santiago’s legacy and passion for motorsport continue to inspire and drive the championship forward. Motorsport enthusiasts and fans are encouraged to follow the official PACS Facebook page to stay up-to-date with the latest news and results. The upcoming rounds of the championship promise to bring even more fierce competition and incredible displays of skill. Stay tuned for more exciting updates and information on PACS events.
The 2023 Philippine Autocross Championship Series is sanctioned by the Automobile Association of the Philippines and supported by excellent sponsors and partners:
Motul Philippine Distributor – Infiniteserv Int’l, Alpinestars Philippines, KYT Helmet Philippines, YSS Auto Suspension Philippines, Keon Sondra, Motolite Express Hatid, Aguila Auto Glass, AAP Motorsport, 234 Pantry, , Ultra Racing Philippines, The Belly Good Roast Beef, SHAGO racing, Techpro Unlimited, Autopia Customs Detailing, Kurt Alexzander Advertising, Ger-per engineering, Elite car care, Cruven, Vanguard Guarantee Insurance Consultancy, All Original American, Jumbow Burger x Milktea, Kenny Beans Cafe, Aqua SmartGuard, TEAstor & Co., East Side Collective, Spicy, Reese Macalma, Jus1029ph, Otosthetics Automotive Productions, C! Magazine, 2Ner, SojooCars, Motoring Today, Lifestyle On Wheels, Autocar Philippines