Under the blazing Pampanga sun at Clark International Speedway , the Manio Racing Team proved why they remain one of the most respected grassroots squads in Philippine motorsport. With nearly 400 entries chasing the Php 3,000,000 prize pool—the richest in local drag racing history—the team showed grit, unity, and heart across every class, embodying the spirit of Race Wars.
Diesel Class Glory and Heartbreak
The highlight of Day 1 came from Mark Pituc, who powered his 2016 Hyundai Accent to victory in the Diesel Class, earning the team a championship trophy and cementing their reputation for discipline and preparation. 
Close behind, Ywell Manio in his 2015 Toyota Hilux fought a nail-biting battle, missing third place by just 0.0001 seconds. His razor-thin finish was a reminder of how fierce the competition has become, and how every millisecond counts on the strip.
Eyes on Day 2
As Day 1 closed with both triumph and heartbreak, all eyes now turn to Day 2, where Ywell Manio will be the team’s lone competitor. He returns to the strip in the Expert Class and Pro Class, determined to transform his near-podium finish into victory. The team’s momentum, fueled by Mark Pituc’s Diesel Class championship and Gina Atendido’s inspiring debut in Clark International Speedway, has built a wave of confidence that carries into the next stage. With the Quick 8 promising the fiercest battles of the weekend, Team Manio enters Day 2 not just to compete, but to prove that their unity, resilience, and passion can conquer the richest stage in Philippine motorsport.
Stories of Courage and Family
Day 1 also marked a milestone for inclusivity in racing. Gina Atendido, a 60‑year‑old first-time competitor at Clark, made her debut in a 2024 Montero Sport. 
Traveling from Coron, Palawan with her son Aaron Atendido, who raced in a 2024 Nissan NV350, Gina’s fearless runs became one of the most inspiring stories of the weekend. 
Her laughter on the strip and determination to push her limits reminded everyone that racing knows no age or gender. Their presence drew admiration across the paddock, proving that Race Wars is as much about family and tradition as it is about speed.
The Rest of the Grid
The team’s roster showed depth and diversity, with Jonathan Maranan in his 2015 Hyundai Accent and Archie Sebucin a 2017 Isuzu D-MAX giving spirited performances despite tough luck in their brackets. 
Though they didn’t find podium success this time, their runs reflected the resilience and hunger that will carry them into future drag race events stronger than ever.
Quote from Team Head/Coach Lewy Manio
“This year’s Race Wars shows how the new generation is pushing harder than ever to win, and now with our very own female driver, Gina, proving her limits on the strip, we couldn’t be prouder. Mark’s championship and Ywell’s razor-thin finish remind us that we’re here not just to compete, but to dominate. 
Tomorrow, we’ll see what Ywell can do in the Expert and Pro classes—we came to win, and we’re ready for a podium finish.” — Lewy Manio, Team Head/Coach, Manio Racing Team
Mark Pituc (Diesel Class Champion): 
“Winning felt incredible, but what mattered most was being out there with the team. Every run reminded me that we’re stronger together, win or lose.”
Ywell Manio (Fourth Place, Diesel Class):
“Missing the podium by 0.0001 seconds, stings but just being on track, pushing my Hilux to its limits, and knowing my teammates had my back made it all worth it. Tomorrow, I’ll fight harder.”
Gina Atendido (First-time Competitor in CIS, Montero Sport 2024):
“At 60 years old, driving Clark International Speedway for the first time was pure joy. I laughed through every run because I wasn’t just racing—I was proving to myself and to my family that passion has no age.”
Aaron Atendido (Nissan NV350 2024): 
“Sharing the track with my mom was unforgettable. We came here as a family, and we raced as a family. That’s the real victory.”
Jonathan Maranan (Hyundai Accent 2015): 
“Even without a podium, the feeling of launching down the strip with the team cheering was priceless. We’ll come back stronger.”
Archie Sebuc (Isuzu D-MAX 2017): 
“The heat, the pressure, the competition—it all fades when you know your team is behind you. Podium or not, we gave our best, and that’s what counts.”
Unity in the Heat
Through the hot, humid conditions at Clark International Speedway, the team’s unity shone brightest. Drivers supported one another, mechanics kept engines cool, and families cheered from the sidelines. 
Their endurance was powered by trusted partners: Motul kept engines running at peak power, Alpinestars provided world-class safety gear, Motolite delivered reliable battery support, MySip Juice Drink refreshed the team under the Pampanga sun, and Imprint Customs gave them identity and pride with custom gear. Together, these sponsors didn’t just back a race—they fueled a movement, helping Manio Racing Team Lewy prove that grassroots motorsport is alive, thriving, and ready for the future.