From the time the red lights went out signaling the start until the checkered flag dropped, the 16-year-old Gelael took command of the 24-lap race and never looked back. The young Indonesian crossed the finish line to the cheers of a large crowd in the grandstand.

Throughout the race, Malaysia’s Weiron Tan, who submitted the fastest time during qualifying, tried to chase down Gelael but the latter’s smoothness and confidence proved to be too much of an advantage. Taking third was Christian Silvano of Indonesia, who settled into a comfortable pace that produced enough room between himself and the flying Edward Cheever, who started from 18th, sliced his way up the field into fourth place and set the fastest lap of the race (49.27 seconds). The spectacular Alexandra Asmasoebrata, meanwhile, bucked a bad start that dropped her from third to ninth. She fought her way back to take the final podium position, giving Indonesia four out of the top five positions. Erstwhile AKOC series leader Richard Bradley of Singapore, retired on the seventh lap with mechanical trouble.

In 18-lap Formula 125 Open Junior final, Singaporean Andersen Martono, 13, triumphed over the 16-kart field to take his first victory in this year’s series. Despite injuring his wrist in the Pre-Final, Darma M. Hutomo of Indonesia braved the pain to take second place ahead of his tenacious compatriot Yasuo Senna Iriawan. Rounding out the last two podium positions were Singapore’s Christian Villeneuve and Thailand’s Supanut Suwankham, who set the fastest lap of 49.909 seconds.

As expected, the Mini Rok final was marked by heated dicing and frequent position changes that had the crowd on its feet. After a tense 15-lap contest, Daim Bin Hishammudin bet pre-race favorite Maximilian Fewtrell to the checkered flag, making it a Singaporean one-two. Landing in third, fourth and fifth, respectively, were Christian Gaddi of the Philippines, Presley Martono of Indonesia and James Pull of Malaysia.
The second leg of the Asian Karting Open Championships was supported by Red and White Racing and held in cooperation with the Automobile General Association Macau-China.

More than 80 of the best dressed cars in the country will be on display at the Megatrade Hall of SM Megamall competing for the distinction of being called the best show car in the country.

Also on display will be some of the finest vintage cars restored by their owners to pristine condition. These are the cars we enjoyed from yesteryears.

“The 19th Caltex Trans Sport Show will be the most prestigious car show and competition the Philippines will see. Modern and classic cars will be on display at the same time showcasing the best in Philippine motoring for the last 50 years,” exclaims Sophie delos Santos, President of the all-female group of TradeShow International.

This year’s show is also being sponsored by Padi’s Point, Lazer Maxx, Gotcha, Blade, Resorts World Manila, Cafe Puro, Solar Sports, Jack TV, Sunshine TV, Motoring Today, AutoFocus, Auto Review, Stoplight TV, Viva Prime, C! Magazine, Top Gear Philippines, Kotse.com, Autoindustriya.com, Tsikot.com, Bigbigcar.com, TopGear.com.ph, Philstar.com, Autolink.ph, Digital Resource, DZRH 666, Magic 89.9, Wave 89.1, NU Rock 107.5, 99.5RT, 103.5 Max FM, DWIZ 882, Dream 106.7, Crossover 105.1, UR105.9, 97.9 Home Radio, U92, Business Mirror, Businessworld, The Manila Times, The Philippine STAR, Manila Bulletin, Chinese Commercial News, Daily Tribune, and Malaya Business Insight.

The Caltex Trans Sport Show will open today and will run through April 25. Gates open at 10 in the morning. Tickets are available at the gate.

This will be the first motor show that Motor Image will be showcasing its all-new model lineup led by the new Subaru Outback and Legacy range, which were introduced in the market last November. The Subaru Legacy has already won accolades including the 2009 Philippines’ Car of the Year. The Outback, on the other hand, was awarded by highly-respected Motor Trend Magazine as its 2010 SUV of the year, citing Subaru as “successfully reshaping the very definition of sport utility vehicle”. Also on display will be the legendary Impreza WRX STI, the Impreza 2.0R Sport, the turbo-charged Forester and the Tribeca.

Precision driver Russ Swift will be back to thrill Manila again as he returns to perform his trademark daredevil moves such as the parallel parking maneuver, two-wheel driving, and the “dance” routine using the Impreza WRX and will try to set a new world record in “doughnuts” with the Impreza WRX STI. Russ Swift currently holds an unbeaten Guinness World Record for parallel parking and was a two time British Autofest Champion and England’s Autotest Team Captain in 1982 and 1983. In 2004, he set a Guinness World Record for making 10 complete spins or “doughnuts” in just 16.07 seconds, a mere 1.6 seconds for each complete spin.

Original Subaru and Motor Image Racing Team merchandise and accessories will also be on sale to the public. Adding allure will be the famous Subaru girls who will be present to assist all visitors to the exhibit. Subaru Club of the Philippines (SCP) will be showcasing their rides the whole day of Saturday, April 17. The Manila International Auto Show will run from April 15 to 18 and will be held at the World Trade Center in Pasay City.

Three big events are lined up in the four-day affair, including the 14th Custom Car Show, the 14th Sport Truck Show and the third Mobile Electronics and Technology Show.

Aside from the competition events, the Auto Salon also showcases a wide range of car-enhancing accessories, gadgets and gizmos, tires and wheels, and the best mobile electronics.

The Manila Auto Salon 2009 is organized by TradeShow International, Inc., a member of SEMA (Specialty Equipment Market Association) and PAIA (Philippine Automotive Aftermarket Industry.

The auto show will also feature a Sound Quality with Install (SQI) competition on Nov. 27 and 28 and a world record event on Nov. 29.

Over 120 customized/modified cars, sport utility vehicles and trucks will compete for the plum awards at the 14th edition of the Custom Car Show and Sport Truck Show, and over 30 of the best vehicles with mobile set-ups vying for the IASCA Sound Quality and IdBL events at the third Mobile Electronics and Technology Show.

The other highlights of the event are the Ultimate Tuner Award to be bestowed on the standout performance car; Resto-Mod Display of Classic and Vintage Cars; a Die Cast Scale Model Exhibit, Garage Tech Sessions; Celebrity Interview Sessions; and the hot search for the Manila Auto Salon Race Queens.

The auto show is sponsored by the Solar Auto Club and backed by Advanti Racing, Padi’s Point, Gotcha Paintball Adventure Games, and Lazer Maxx Laser Tag Arena.

The event is also supported by Solar Sports, Stoplight TV, Viva Prime, TV5, BusinessMirror, BusinessWorld, Chinese Commercial News, Daily Tribune, Malaya Business Insight, Manila Bulletin, the Manila Times and The Philippine STAR.

For details, contact TradeShow International, Inc. at tel. Nos. 671-3122 or 671-8381.

Get madly chilled out, styled and tuned because at Manila Auto Salon everything is COOL! Over 120 customized/modified cars, SUVs and trucks will be showcased and competing for the 14th editions of the Custom Car Show and the Sport Truck Show. Over 30 of the best vehicles with mobile set-ups will be competing under the IASCA Sound Quality with Install and IdBL events at the 3rd Mobile Electronics & Technology Show. The country’s best performance cars will vie once again for the Ultimate Tuner Award and the hot search for the Manila Auto Salon Race Queens will finally be on!

Watch out for special event updates on the 4-day, activity-packed styling and tuning show of the year— the 2009 Manila Auto Salon. For participation and sponsorship inquiries, contact TRADESHOW INTERNATIONAL, INC, at 6713122, 6718381-82 or email tradeshow92@yahoo.com, www.manilaautosalon.com.

Tsikot.com and Tsikot.Tv are official media partners of Manila Auto Salon 2009.

Tsikot.com with Eventus Productions and Dorifto present “Tsikot Autofest 2009″, a three-day car show, parts bazaar and entertainment extravaganza at the Festival Supermall Alabang Green and Grills Parking on May 15 to 17, 2009.

Tsikot Autofest 2009 will feature the latest design of tires and mags and other car parts and accessories in a 3-day car parts and accessories mega sale.  Aside from the bazaar, the activity will also be highlighted by a ‘bikini contest and carwash’, DBSport Loud Match and other entertainment events. A 3-day Driftfest exhibition will also be featured.

Car show participants can contact Paul at 0926-7152987 while interested exhibitors and sponsors can contact Anne at 0917-4310161, Ral at 0915-7855147, 0921-8020253 and 774-6028 and Jedi at 0905-3338777, 0922-8335588 and 866-1496.

Organized by TradeShow International, Inc. (TSI), Trans Sport Show has drawn the support and participation of Filipino car aficionados and craftsmen who display a keen passion for automobiles.

“Trans Sport Show has always maintained a good number of vintage cars to show every year, combined with the contemporary custom cars,” TSI President Sophie delos Santos said. Indeed, since its inception in 1992 as a general automotive show, Trans Sport Show has evolved into one of the most popular automotive events that car-savvy individuals swarm to. It is the longest running motoring event in the country that car enthusiasts of all ages could easily identify with.

View Transport Show 2009 photos over at Car Shows Philippines

Watch Transport Show Video at Tsikot.Tv

Tsikot.com and Tsikot.Tv are official media partners of Transport Show 2009.

Auto Night 2009 will definitely heat up the summer this coming May 8, 2009 with exciting Novice and Newbies Car Competition, Car Club EB’s, Variety of Auto display from auto manufacturers, Motorcycle Display, Carwash Babes  and Drift exhibition to be led by John Boban, Castrol Edge Drift Underground Series, Team Driftzone and Team Dorifto.

A competition within the show includes the following categories:

Cars/ Novice and Newbie’s Car Competition

• Best in Show: Custom
• Best in Show: Stock
• Best in Show: Paint
• Best in Show: Engine
• Best in Show: Interior
• Best in Show: JDM
• Best in Show: Euro
• Best in Show: USDM
• Best in Show: Classic Restored
• Best in Show: SUV
• Best in Show: 4 door Sedan
• Best in Show: Sports Car
• Best in Show: Ice and Sound

Special Categories:

• Best Club
• Best Models
• Best Shop

The Novice and the Newbies Car Competition categories are not open for Professional Competitors.

Judges will be composed of Accreditable AutoShop Owners and Auto Manufacturers.

Entry is at 1000 per vehicle and 500 for motorbikes, Booths are available upon reservation only.

Please kindly email me at mervinsalazar@teletech.com, autonight2009@gmail.com or call 09175135508 for more details.

This event is brought to you by:

• TeleTech Customer Management, Roxas Delivery Center
• In partnership of:
• Drift Zone Auto Salon
• SpeedLab
• Yellow Cab
• ERS Motorsports
• AAP

And sponsored by:

• Banahaw Purified Drinking Water
• National Builders and Services
• RM Diaz Glass and Aluminum
• Nutrilicious
• South Asia Engineering

Tsikot.com and Tsikot.tv are official e-media partners of Teletech Summer Auto Show 2009.

The display is a joint project of the Motor Vehicle Parts Manufacturers Association of the Philippines (MVPMAP), the Manila Economic and Cultural Office (MECO) and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).

“It is the first time for the Philippines to participate in the Taipei AMPA Show, considered as the premier auto parts show in Asia. This is also significant as this is the first time that local auto parts makers have banded together to participate in an international trade exhibit of this magnitude.

“Asian neighbors Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia and Korea have been joining this show for the last 15 years” says John Lee, MVPMAP Director and head of mission.

This pioneering participation in the 2009 AMPA brings to the fore Philippine ingenuity and craftsmanship as epitomized by the iconic “jeep” which through the years became the backbone and inspiration of the local “jeepney.”

According to Department of Trade and Industry Secretary Peter B. Favila, “the DTI has recognized the opportunities in Taiwan for the local parts manufacturing industry, both in the market for replacement parts as well as OEM opportunities that combine Taiwanese technology with the expanded and specialised production capacities in the Philippines.”

This year’s participation by the private sector was made possible through the financial and logistical support of the MECO and the DTI. Being a truly Philippine vehicle, MVPMAP and MECO have chosen the jeep to symbolize the Philippine auto industry and what Philippine auto parts makers can do.

According to Ambassador Antonio I. Basilio, MECO resident representative and managing director, 11 local auto parts makers representing MVPMAP are participating in this four-day Taipei auto parts show: Ambrose Industries, Famous Secret Precision Machining, Fasteners Inc., Laguna Carparts Manufacturing, MD Juan Enterprises, Nito Seiki Manufacturing, OEM Parts Manufacturing, Rado Rubberworks Manufacturing, Roberts AIPMC, Supercast Foundry and Machinery and the VSO Group of Companies.

Text and Photo from Inquirer.net

Performing for the annual car show again is world Guinness record holder for precision driving Russ Swift, who wowed the crowd during the four-day affair that lasted from April 2 to 4.

Pulling in a little under 100,000 visitors from all walks of life, the Mias has been the most consistent car show in the country, coming out with an annual event since 2005, even after all the other competitors have folded and gone dry.

View this event’s photos at Car Shows Philippines.

The most visible supporter for this year was Motor Image Pilipinas (MIP), dealer of the country’s fastest-growing auto brand, Subaru. Nicky Mariano, head of the MIP, said, “Mias has been one of our staunchest supporters and it is only fitting that we return the favor.”

Glenn Tan, president of Motor Image, was present at the launch of the new Subaru Impreza, which was used by Swift for his exhibition at the Mias and still showing what a Subaru can do.

Ford Group Philippines was amply represented, with its exhibit and presence of Glen Dasig, vice president for sales of FGP.

Top Gear Philippines also launched its latest offering to the motoring public. Vernon Sarne, Top Gear editor in chief, has tasked Barbara Lorenzo, managing editor of Top Gear online, to create a site that car lovers would definitely visit. This was launched on the first-day festivities. The Petron Car of the Year was also very visible along with the Subaru STI prominently displayed in the lobby of the World Trade Center.

This year, Mias was dominated by Chinese brands like Lifan, Foton, Chery, Great Wall Motors and more. A few of the mainstream manufacturers like Honda, Isuzu, Ford, Hyundai, Mercedes-Benz and Chrysler were represented, most if not all by their dealers instead of their main principal.

A report reached the BusinessMirror  that the Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines Inc. (Campi) had allegedly discouraged its members from participating in the Mias. Sources from within Campi said there are now factions inside the organization who are at odds on how their events, activities and participation in such events as the Mias should be handled. The same sources also said that a rift has developed between a group consisting of Chinese brands and the Japanese conglomerate, which has been dubbed by industry insiders as the “Yakuza-Triad competition.”

This development comes on the heels of an announcement made by Campi during a press conference held in December last year that the second edition of the Philippine International Motor Show (PIMS) would not push through in 2009 due to the current global financial meltdown.

Department of Transportation and Communications Secretary Leandro Mendoza said, “This competition between Campi and private auto organizations is not doing the automotive industry any good.”

This writer sought the side of Campi through its president, Elizabeth Lee, who said, “Campi never issued a ban on the participation of its members in the Mias. In fact, several of the dealers who are involved in the Mias even received funding from their principals in order to participate in the event.”

Ang, meanwhile, said, “We are very pleased with the outcome of the motor show and we expect that the Mias will be giving service to the people and be of help to the consumer.”

After this year’s Mias, Ang said they plan to expand next year’s program to make it more entertaining and informative. He was also hopeful that the situation with PIMS this year would improve and that they could work together for the development of the Philippine auto industry.

With Mias on a roll on its fifth year, and with a definite cooperation with the auto industry, we may just have a crack at being the future automotive hub in Southeast Asia.

by Ira V. Panganiban, Business Mirror