At Clark International Speedway, Day 1 of Motul Race Wars 2025 unfolded like a grand symphony of horsepower and heritage. Nearly 400 cars lined up to chase a share of the Php 3,000,000 purse—the richest prize pool in Philippine drag racing. But beyond the staggering numbers, the event was defined by the diversity of machines, the passion of competitors, and the stories that made every run unforgettable.
Machines of Every Shape and Story
The strip became a showcase of Philippine motoring culture. Everyday family cars stood shoulder to shoulder with purpose-built drag machines, proving that Race Wars is a stage for everyone.
- Daily Drivers Turned Racers: Vans like the Nissan NV350 and SUVs like the Montero Sport reminded the crowd that racing isn’t reserved for exotic builds. These vehicles carried the pride of families, showing that even workhorses can shine under the lights of Clark.
- Sedans and Compacts: Honda Civics, Toyota Corollas, and Mitsubishi Lancers filled the lanes, many tuned with turbochargers and some of the new entries were hybrid, representing the grassroots heart of drag racing.
- SUVs and Pickups: Ford Rangers, Toyota Hiluxes, and Isuzu D-MAX pickups brought torque and grit, proving that utility vehicles can hold their own against lighter sedans.
- Performance Icons: Nissan GT-Rs, Ford Mustang, Lamborghini, Subaru WRX drew crowds with their unmistakable growl, showcasing the engineering artistry behind speed.
Every run was powered by VP Racing fuel and gripped by Sailun Tires, leveling the playing field and ensuring fairness across categories.
Classes That Define the Competition
Day 1 of Motul Race Wars 2025 at Clark International Speedway delivered a thrilling showcase of grassroots grit and family-powered speed. The morning kicked off with Time Trial Runs, giving nearly 400 cars—from daily drivers to tuned-up sedans—a chance to stretch their legs on the strip. 
The Diesel Class followed, where torque-heavy pickups and SUVs battled for bragging rights, proving that utility vehicles can pack serious punch. In the afternoon, the spotlight shifted to the Hotstreet Class, filled with street-legal builds pushing the limits of performance, and the Novelty Class, where creativity and character ruled the lanes. The Sportsman Class closed the day with a mix of seasoned privateers and passionate newcomers.
The crowd at Clark International Speedway mirrored the energy on the strip, turning the final race weekend of the year into a true celebration. Families filled the paddock with cheers, children waved flags with wide-eyed excitement, and even dogs trotted happily between tents, embodying the warmth and inclusivity of the event.
For many, it wasn’t just about the competition—it was about closing the year together, united by their love for Motul, drag racing, and the community that has grown around it. The laughter, the camaraderie, and the shared thrill of speed made Day 1 feel like a festival of motorsport, setting the perfect tone for the battles still to come.
Stories That Steal the Spotlight
Among the nearly 400 competitors, one family from Coron, Palawan captured hearts and headlines. Their entries—a 2024 Nissan NV350 and a 2024 Montero Sport under the Manio Racing Team Levy—weren’t just cars; they were symbols of unity, courage, and joy. Aaron Atendido took the wheel of the NV350, representing the next generation of grassroots racers with quiet determination. 
But it was his 60‑year‑old mother, Gina Atendido, who stole the show. Piloting the Montero with laughter and grace, she proved that racing knows no age. 
With her husband cheering from the sidelines, Gina’s runs became a celebration of family, resilience, and the thrill of the track. Their presence lit up the paddock and reminded everyone that Motul Race Wars is as much about people as it is about speed.
Here are the winners of Motul Race Wars 2025 Day 1:
Diesel Class
- Champion: Mark Martin Pituc (#107) — Hyundai Accent — 15.860 sec
- 1st Runner-up: Jonathan Young (#203) — FX Runner — 17.383 sec
- 2nd Runner-up: Jay-R Manio (#132) — Mitsubishi Strada — 16.050 sec
Novelty Class
- Champion: Ace San Agustin (#207) — Ford Mustang
- 1st Runner-up: Arvin Vilket (#284) — Nissan GT-R
- 2nd Runner-up: Jonathan Tiu (#289) — Lamborghini
Hot Street Class
- Champion: Jiboy Dungca (#80) — Honda EG — 16.049 sec
- 1st Runner-up: Jay-R Manio (#133) — Mitsubishi — 16.032 sec
- 2nd Runner-up: Gionne Carlo Panlaqui (#243) — Honda EG — 16.012 sec
Sportsman Class
- Champion: Rafael Evangelista (#168) — Honda EK — 14.034 sec
- 1st Runner-up: Kent Patrick Laroza (#272) — Honda Spoon — 14.376 sec
- 2nd Runner-up: Allan Robustan (#309) — Honda EK Spoon — 15.158 sec
But the real anticipation builds for Day 2, when the structured classes take over:
- Pro Class: Where seasoned racers bring finely tuned machines, balancing raw speed with precision.
- Super Pro Class: Reserved for the elite builds—cars engineered for maximum performance, often pushing the limits of technology.
- Expert Class: A proving ground for skilled drivers who combine technical mastery with competitive spirit.
- Quick 8: The crown jewel of drag racing—only the fastest eight cars make the cut, battling head-to-head for supremacy.
These classes ensure that Race Wars isn’t just about who shows up—it’s about who can rise to the challenge when the stakes are highest.
Powered by Partners
The sponsor family elevated the festival atmosphere:
- Alpinestars protected drivers in world-class gear.
- Qstarz timed every millisecond with precision.
- Complex Carbon showcased lightweight performance parts.
- MySip Juice Drink kept fans refreshed under the Pampanga sun.
- YSS Auto sharpened handling with suspension systems.
- Kireina added lifestyle flair, blending fashion with motorsport.
Quote from Peter Yung, Marketing and Promotion Head of Infiniteserv Int’l. Corporation, the official distributor of Motul in the Luzon.
“Motul Race Wars 2025 isn’t just the country’s premier drag racing festival—it’s the stage with the richest stakes in Philippine motorsport. Day 1 showed nearly 400 cars chasing a share of the Php 3,000,000 purse, proving that this event has become the ultimate proving ground for speed, passion, and community. 
What makes it truly special is not just the scale of competition, but the diversity of stories—families, veterans, and newcomers all finding their place on the strip. Race Wars is where tradition meets adrenaline, and where the biggest rewards go hand in hand with the biggest celebration of car culture. Tomorrow, Day 2 raises the stakes even higher as the Pro, Super Pro, Expert, and Quick 8 classes take center stage.”