Tuason Racing has now enjoyed twenty-one years of success in the Philippine Motorsports scene. Starting in 1999, it began as a hobby business to remain involved with the sport, participating in many different series locally and internationally. Soon they began opening an entry-level school for those interested in the world of racing, and teaching karting clinics was the first stepping stone.

Over time, the events got more prominent, and soon different racing events were made more accessible to the public. Offering karting, touring cars, single-seaters, drifting, and many other kinds of events, the possibilities could run endlessly. The hobby business became a platform to make racing dreams come true for local talents.

All of this was then celebrated at Tuason Racing and JP Tuason’s birthday party last February 26 at Ovo Bar in Poblacion, Makati. The night was a celebration of the decade long journey of the company in the motorsports industry. Some attendees in the celebration were significant people in TRS history, as they all helped along in this small dream turned into a grand outcome we now experience today. These notables included long-time racers, James Deakin, Phoemela Baranda, Fabio Ide , and more.

Pushing forward with the endless pursuit is a new dream that Tuason Racing hopes to pursue this coming year, the next milestone is one that follows the path of technological innovation. Tuason Racing is entering the E-sports scene.

Tuason Racing plans to expand the local grassroots effort through healthy competition and incredibly rewarding stakes. With the creation of a virtual racing tournament, the grooming of a champion, and the excellent reward of a chance to represent the Philippines in the FIA Games at the end of the year. This international competition is a massive opportunity for our country to bring forth our fighting spirit, and also to fulfill the mission of Tuason Racing by uplifting the Filipino reputation as a worthy international competitor.

None of these past victories, defeats, learning experiences, even the fantastic party would have been possible without the sponsors and supporters. The team is ever thankful for all the hard work from everyone in the company working towards the dream. Grateful for the belief from its partners, sponsors, racers, and its professional team, the future is still long and fruitful. Tuason Racing will continue to reach for the stars and hopes that everyone who trusted in us will be alongside for the ride.

A simple analogy crosses our minds as we think of car tires: The man in the car and his shoes are the tires. A person can walk without shoes but will be injuring one’s self once greeted with the road to take, and it only goes to show that the same principle applies to our precious rides.

In the early days, our predecessors settled with simply protecting their feet, but as the human race evolved, they began to create new designs and versions, of the shoe, for adapting to various conditions they have faced. 

Having said this, tires, on the other hand, have had its fair share of evolution and looks. From the leather-strapped wood of the horse-drawn wagon to the birth of the first car by Karl Benz which made use of the pneumatic tire, having a solid rubber structure on a metal rim. Ever since then, innovations on the tire were made and developed, adhering to elements like road conditions, scene, type of ride, and a whole lot more. These tests in time changed the tire for it is what connects the car to the surface and initially bears what the car and road bring to the driver. 

So, the nagging question we all have now is, “what type of rubber do I need for my ride?”. Well, of course, we have to weigh out the usage and practicality of our options for, let’s face it, those babies are not cheap. 

First, we have the racing tires or commonly known to car heads, as slicks. The nickname speaks for itself, error 404: tread not found, for they are suited for track use only. Its sole purpose is to provide a powerful grip to generate speed, especially on curves, usually wider than the daily wheel, and can go on for roughly 300 kilometers only.

Then, we have the ordinary car tire, that has vast variations and purposes, seen on most cars today. The modern tire that we know of is the Radial Tire, invented by the French company Michelin. This tire has comprehensive platforms of uses such as comfort for your daily city drive; performance for the racing-like feel that provides more grip on the asphalt; off-road which has wider and larger treads for grip on rocky and muddy terrain; and all-terrain designed for both the city and minimal off-road situations. These tires are made for durability and longevity, having 80,000 kilometers tires lifespan, for different factors such as heat and unexpected nuisances found on the road.

REGULAR TIRE PHOTO

Tires come in all shapes and sizes, and there are no ends to what or where they’re needed to be on. We should have the knowledge and careful consideration of its effect on our car’s shoes. Whatever the use may be, we, the owners of the vehicle, should carefully select and decide on what we’ll fit our ride. 

Seasons change, days are longer than what you expected, you’re exhausted than what you usually feel, and apparently, the sun hits your skin a little too harsh. That’s right, we feel you too, it’s officially summer!

It’s this time of the year again where we whip out our sunny-side, light-colored, skin-showing, and breezy outfits that we mix and match with different accessories complementing the mood set-off by the humongous star. We adjust by quenching our thirst with cold beverages, protecting our skin with sunscreen, and of course, shielding our eyes from the harmful and frankly annoying glares of the blazing ball of heavenly gas with sunglasses. 

“Wow yabang, naka-shades!” is what we usually hear when we meet up with family or friends, but aside from making you look cool and fashionable, sunglasses are practical additions to our ensemble. These little pieces of eyewear make huge differences with blocking out most Ultraviolet rays, emitted by the sun, that enter our atmosphere. UV rays are notoriously known for their radiation that is capable of damaging living tissues, much more our precious balls of sight, considered to be one of the most sensitive organs in the human body. And it is widely known that summer is the season where the sun is out and about, shining brighter than anything else in the world. 

Summer is also the season where we feel the need to leave the comforts of our home, setting out and seizing for what the long day has to offer. We look forward to loosening up from the stress of daily lives at work by imagining and planning out what to do, where to go, and who to bring. Would it be a sunny vacation drive to unwind or a hot and fast drive up the track?

Whatever your choice may be, Oakley is here with you, well, not personally, but in the spirit of driving, accompanied by their new Ahyris Sunglass Collection. This collection offers four faces or moods for each drive. Deadbolt for a bold, new-look, too hot for the wheel; Coldfuse that takes ordinary to the next level; Apparition with the clean and neat look for the day; and Chrystl that is undoubtedly a head-turner. The collection is equipped with Oakley’s revolutionary Prizm Lens Technology that maximizes detail, giving a unique color for every sight to see.

There are limitless destinations for those sunny vacay drives together with our loved ones and barkada or driving your heart out and burning rubber on the track. Whether going to planned-out destinations or wherever the road may take you, go the extra mile better, with Oakley’s new Ahyris Sunglass Collection, and protect those eyes that sees ahead of you!

The recently concluded California Superbike School brought upon an exciting two full days of non-stop adrenaline experience for Filipino bikers last February 15-16 in the Clark International Speedway, Pampanga. 

After its initial debut last 2014, California Superbike School Philippines (CSSPH) have then taught lessons, for seven years, to Filipino bikers from basic to advanced methods that hone skills, most notably in handling high-displacement motorcycles or superbikes. 

Registration started early Saturday, looking forward to a whole lot of different varieties of lessons offered in the program. Professional instructors from CSS conducted the bike Scrutineering for students, a process wherein motorbikes that will run around the track with both coaches and students are being carefully checked to make sure that these are all in good condition and adept for track usage. 

Professional riding coaches from CSS Australia, New Zealand, India and Italy have imparted both theoretical and practical knowledge to the participants, focusing on promoting proper superbike handling and motorcycle safety here in the Philippines. 

Personalities who are aficionados of the two-wheeled vehicle also made their attendance and took part in the 2-day training with the likes of Cleanfuel’s President Atty. Bong Suntay, Philippine Superbike Champion Raniel Resuello, and motorheads Dominic Roque, Paolo Abrera, Sam YG, Drew Arellano, Commercial Director Sid Maderazo and Jak Roberto as one of the Wheeltek Ambassadors.

“I guarantee you na ako, na-apply ko siya sa sarili ko na from zero talaga, nagkaroon ako ng confidence sa paggamit ng big bike. So ayun nga… iwas semplang, iwas disgrasya at kung gusto mo ma-enjoy yung pagtatrack, yun din yung malaking bagay na naibibigay din ng CSS.” Jak Roberto said. Assuring aspiring bike enthusiasts that joining CSS will surely improve their riding skills and experience as well.

This year, with the support of Wheeltek and Kawasaki, CSS set forth its contract here in the Philippines for another five years of exhilarating superbike experience, bringing forth a wide variety of lessons for students of different classes to engage, continue, and update their learning and skills annually.

Throughout the riding weekend, instructors rode with students one-on-one, demonstrating and showing the fundamental techniques, using Kawasaki Philippines’ 2019 Kawasaki ZX10R superbike, that are now up for grabs to everyone, with a whopping P100,000 slash on its price tag! The Ninja ZX-10R lives up to its name as it continues its worldwide, champion legacy with features that were designed to make crossing the finish line as effortless as revving your engine. What are you waiting for? Contact us and start improving your riding experience!

2020 California Superbike School Phillippines (CSS PH) became a success together with its most valued sponsors and partners: Wheeltek, Kawasaki, Cleanfuel, Motul, AlpineStars, Quest Hotel, Euro Monkeys, Century Hotel, C! Magazine and Tuason Racing.

Returning to CSS as an almost complete greenhorn is a tough task on paper. I have never really done a lot of motorbike riding, especially not with the super bikes that they require in the courses. Having done the basic course of level 1 almost a year ago, having never touched another bike in that time had me worried for what was to come. I was excited of course but it came with some nerves that had me expecting the worst.

Level 2 was the agenda on that fine Sunday morning and I had a Kawasaki Ninja ZX10R and it was faster than the previous bike I had last time. Excitement and nerves as people were watching the riders as they prepared for the first session. I was not yet used to the bike and I had some stalling issues from getting a little anxious with the throttle and clutch. Other than getting started however, the session went surprisingly well as I opened up to the speed and began to get used to how far you could take the corners before you go completely wide of the racing line. I also had to relearn constant concentration because even slight twitches on a bike moving at 100 mph could spell disaster, something which almost bought me a kiss with the asphalt.

The other sessions went much better as I got more and more comfortable with the bike, I could let loose with the throttle more, my lean angles got deeper, and the true aim of level 2 which was to improve rider vision became much easier to apply. The structure of the coaching system is also what played a huge part in the learning process as the CSS team mixed classroom sessions with immediate application. They complimented this with a hands-on approach as the coaches rode alongside you and helped repair any mistakes as soon as the session ended with a quick debrief. A great experience and event flow with a surplus of professionals that could also keep the sessions interesting even as the day wore on.

Is this that time already? You begin to notice something in your routine check as you admire your bike, and you know, sooner or later, it’s bound to that. If so, are you one of those who continually want to do things on your own and get your hands greasy? 

While there’s nothing wrong with consulting your casa with regards to your automotive’s never-ending list of repairs and maintenance (it’s a handful, we know), there is also no harm in learning and doing the basic to intermediate maintenance and part replacements yourself. In that way, you’ll be more in touch and adept at being a driver. 

Motorcycle Chain and Sprocket Replacement

Motorcycle Chains are one of your bike’s essential parts, linking your throttle, engine, and wheels all at the same time (well, it gets you moving too). The chain has three interconnected parts, the front and back sprocket, and the chain itself. Now, you notice that your gear is wearing out (it’s when the sprocket teeth are thin and looks worn out), it’s also the indication and chance to replace everything, sprocket and chain alike.  

First, of course, have your tools and parts ready. The prep is always the most important, being prepared in the whole process and for the unavoidable conflicts along the way enhances your knowledge and ability.

Second, loosen the front sprocket nut with a deep socket, along with the rear wheel’s sprocket nut as well, and then lift the bike using its’ stand or onto a motorcycle rack (for more stability).

Third, unlink the chains using a chain tool, removing the links and its connection of both front and back sprockets. Next, is to disconnect your rear wheel from everything connected to it, chain tension, rear axle, and its brakes. If your bike has a drum brake, remove the brake-adjusting nut, linkage, and brake stay, while if you have discs, remove the calipers connecting it. Then, remove the sprockets of your rear wheel, replacing with anew, and making sure to reinstall the bolts.

After so, it’s time to have the chains around the new sprockets and measure the length needed and adjust as necessary. Bring out the master link, apply the lube, and connect the two ends of the chain. 

Lastly, adjust the chain tension, locking the chain, sprocket, and rear wheel in place. Reassemble the brakes, making sure to install them and lock in place. Ensure everything is in place and locked in before using, remember, safety first! A new chain and sprocket will take you a long way. 

Chains need constant monitoring and maintenance by ensuring its’ proper lubrication, right adjustment, and cleanliness. Learning a thing or two in fixing your motorcycle gives you a sense of fulfillment and pride in using it (also, saving you the trip to the shop), then you’ll be on your way to swap out performance parts and special modifications for that extra boost and flair for your ride!

And that’s it! So when your bikes is all good and ready to roll, why not give it a ride and see us at Clark International Speedway? It’s the 7th California Superbike School Philippines this weekend! See you there!

Experiencing motorsports is a different journey for everybody; there are so many entry points into this high adrenaline sport. You can begin young or old, through cars or karting, no one has the same path. My path started in karting at the tender age of 11, where my father strapped me in a loud cadet class kart with a heavy helmet and stuffy long sleeve shirt. I drove back and forth on a bumpy road which gave me a headache behind my eyes, right before I gave up they released me onto the track. 

What struck me was the smoothness of the asphalt clearing my mind, and off I went, still terrified but felt weightless driving down the straightway for the first time. It was too late for my young mind. I was already hopelessly addicted. Thus on my journey, I went through a lot of races and different levels of competition. 

The principal thing you learn with karting is the very basics of racing theory and practice. The movements are simple, and the machinery stripped down, it all comes down to fundamental skills and nerves of steel. Going for minuscule gaps, pushing your kart to the edge of its grip, breathing down your opponent’s necks, that is what driving in karting is about. 

It seemed like forever ago when I was then given a new opportunity. Test out a Formula V1 car, nothing too serious, just a quick practice session out with the car. Nervous, excited, unexpected emotions, but what I felt the most just sitting in the pits waiting my turn was a deafening impatience. I was a Formula driver ready to burn rubber. I was most excited to try out the gearbox,  which had some resistance when shifting, I felt like a real James Hunt type shifting up and down through the corners. I was so excited to be behind the wheel that I spun out, I lost control so hard I ended up backward and the car stalled. I had found the limit of what the car could take, and how much grip it could offer me. Leaving every corner, I had to course correct the car while I got on the power. 

All in all, it was a great experience, and the adrenaline was utterly different. That’s what real race cars feel like, something powerful and wild that is left up to you to tame to bring out all its potential.

Testing experience written by Arthur Tuason.

This April, we once again gear up for the Formula V1 2020 season-opening event. The Endurance Race will run for the entire day with different festivities to enjoy. The morning begins with a roaring car club track day as enthusiasts take their prized rides out for a spin.

Following the relaxed opener comes the main event with the endurance race open to FV1 teams. We’ll see 22 V1s and an additional ten non-FV1 cars, making it over 30 cars on the grid with local and international teams joining in.

The rules of the event are simple. The race will run for four hours straight with the V1s running for about 40 minutes before pitting in for maintenance, refueling, and a driver change. This set up will allow three drivers to have about two chances in the car. There is also a two minute mandatory minimum for every pit stop. When the race period ends, the team with the most laps completed will be the champion.

When watching the event, it’ll be interesting to keep a note of the Japanese drivers as they are quite at home in the V1 cars. The previous winners were the Cleanfuel Racing team with Japanese racers.

Expectations or no, the event will fill the appetite of any racing enthusiast with the best of both worlds experience when they take to the track then later on cheering for their favorite V1 drivers.

Formula 1

In the latest update from Formula 1, it appears that the agreement between Aston Martin and Red Bull will soon come to an end with Racing Point set to become the Aston Martin works F1 team. This comes at the hands of Canadian Billionaire Lawrence Stroll, who purchased a significant stake in the company. We could be seeing a Green Racing livery on the track in no time at all.

Formula E

The Sanya Grand Prix has been canceled due to the recent announcement of the coronavirus outbreak as an international emergency. This is the only Chinese GP on the calendar, which was slated for March 21. There are currently talks about how the season will be restructured to ensure the retainment of fourteen races on the calendar. Whether by the addition of a double-header or by rescheduling the Sanya GP remains to be seen.

GT

Valentino Rossi has always had a penchant for four-wheeled vehicles, but the living MotoGP legend has still staked his living on his Superbikes. Recently, however, he entered into the Gulf 12 hours, racing alongside his friend Salucci and brother-in-law Marini. They used a Ferrari 488 GT3 and would compete in the Pro-am category. The race would see the group holdout in second for their category and fourth overall. A pitlane infringement would penalize the Audi leading the class, and Rossi’s team would receive the win.

Indycar

The Indycar series is set to join much of the rest of worldwide motorsport and switch to Hybrid engines by 2022. The engine will come with a new chassis and supposedly last until the year 2027. The engine change would bring about differences in the current push to pass system as well as allow for drivers to restart their cars by themselves in the event of a stall. This could streamline any cautionary periods and maintain race pace.

Karting

The 2016 Formula 1 champion Nico Rosberg spoke up recently about his karting academy. He took note of the success with one of his academy drivers winning the Karting World Championship in Sweden. His goal is to spread the ideal of what younger drivers should focus on. Rosberg believes that developing racers should spend more time growing their passion for the sport and understanding the inner workings of the business without rushing too quickly into it. With this ideal he hopes to see more success from the talents he trains without putting too much pressure on them.

MotoGP

Marc Marquez has to keep his celebrations fresh, especially after winning his eighth MotoGP championship. After winning his ninth race of the season, he secured the championship and capped it off with a special T-shirt, celebratory helmet, and even a pool table? He had a billiards set up complete with a referee to set up his cue, and ended the celebration by sinking an eight ball — what a way to celebrate.

Rally

Fernando Alonso has just claimed his first rallying podium racing in the Al Ula Neom Rally in Saudi Arabia. Alonso has been practicing alongside co-driver Marc Coma in preparation for the Dakar Rally next year. After several difficulties in other competitions, this third-place win will be good for accruing momentum and experience. Alonso will continue to join these other minor competitions, and how well he fares in the incredibly challenging Dakar Rally is yet to be seen.

Tuason Racing School is the most prominent school for motorsports in the Philippines. Running events for Go-Karting, various cars, and even Superbikes.

So what did the company run through in the past 21 years?

Chapter 1 – Arthur Tuason Memorial Cup 2000-2006

To memorialize his father, who taught him how to race, JP Tuason organized the Arthur Tuason Memorial Cup in his honor. The annual race series began in the year 2000 with the first event at Carmona race track. With the use of Go-Karts for simplified racing, the series would quickly become popular. This event would create an opportunity for all to enjoy an afternoon of racing, as well as support a good cause with all the proceeds going to charities that provided for children’s medical needs. Later on, the tournament would move to Speedzone in Makati and would peak at over one hundred participants. This would be an excellent introduction for JP Tuason in the world of organizing races.

Chapter 2 – Civic 2001/Formula 3 2003-2006

In 2001 the Racing School began when the Tuason husband and wife duo along with a group of close collaborators purchased and modified four Honda Civics into race cars, which then saw use in an early version of TRS circuit training.

Then from 2003 to 2006, JP Tuason took up a new challenge and entered the Formula 3 scene. The Tuason Racing team traveled all over Asia to compete against other international racers, including competitors from France and England. Despite all the high-quality talent in this series, JP would garner podium finishes racing in both China and the Philippine legs of the series, then parting with the series having attained success, experience, and higher ambition in the future.

Chapter 3 – Lynx Cup 2003-2006

While competing with the Asian Formula 3 series, JP also organized the Ford Lynx cup, which was the first Filipino one-make series that was composed of purely novice drivers. The TRS team had a fleet of ten new Ford Lynx cars, which were converted into powerful race cars. The goal of the series was to culture new Philippine talent by exposing newcomers without too much of a financial drain. The first step was training sessions as the new drivers went through basic and advanced lessons, before entering eligibility for the race weekends. Running successfully for three full seasons, the series would become a successful first foray into one-make racing for the Tuason company

Chapter 4 – Ford Focus 1.6

TRS would continue the success they saw with the Ford Lynx by now making use of a fleet of ten Ford Focus 1.6L cars. It first saw action in the racing school as the primary instruction vehicle used by the participants. After seeing its potential, the team then converted the units into race cars and began entering races around the country. They would find success in the Philippine Autocross Competition with racer Dollan Briones as well as gain a championship from the Philippine Touring Car (PTCC) series with Stuart Macdonald. With accolades earned, the Focus would also see action in its one-make series run by TRS. Students of the school would rent out the units, and it ran for two years before making a significant upgrade.
Thus in 2008 came the Ford Focus 1.8L Diesel, and the TRS fleet experienced a power-up. All eight cars were modified to be race-ready, and the Ford Focus Cup would continue with the new machines. While organizing their competition, TRS would also participate and collect wins in the PTCC, GT, Philippine Autocross, and the Philippine Production Car Championship.

Chapter 5 – Drifting 2008-2010

Around the same time the Focus 1.8 diesel cars were phased into the TRS rotation, the team also branched out of the traditional racing methods and tried out the local drifting competitions. Making use of two Mazda BT-50 Diesel trucks, and a Mazda RX7 converted into competitive drift cars. The team made headlines with the introduction of the first drift pickup truck, and later on, secured a first-place win with the RX7. Accomplishing these technological and skillful feats within only two years of competing is impressive for a team that came into the sport as greenhorns.

Chapter 6 – The Karting events (COF 1 and 2)

The Champions of the Future event of COF was first introduced in 2008. This project was where they taught young boys and girls racing basics in the grassroots event for motorsports. Serving as both a clinic and then run series, the students could get a feel for the race car driver’s life and enjoy their first thrill behind the wheel.
These students who graduated from the COF program often joined the local karting competition, and eventually, some went international such as with the Asian Karting Open Championship. They also had the option to join the TRS team, partner up with other teams, or even start up their own.
A second COF also ran from 2011 to 2013, because of the success found in the previous class. Several racers from this class would also follow in the footsteps of their predecessors and compete both nationally and internationally for karting and even other forms of motorsports.

Chapter 7 – Fiesta 2011-2012

Before the Vios cup came into fruition, there was the Fiesta Cup, which would change the way that TRS handled their one-make competitions. In the previous few race series, the team would rent out units to the drivers. The Fiesta Cup changed the business mold as they began to sell units to racing teams, this made up a larger grid of twelve cars.

Chapter 8 – CSS 2013

A venture that began when a close collaborator approached TRS because of the company’s previous work with their road safety advocacy. The goal was to provide an avenue for Superbike enthusiasts to learn about safe usage and better control over their rides. TRS knew that the best trainers in the world came from the American company CSS, and so contacted them and began working on their CSS event. Starting in 2013, CSS Philippines has continued to grow and has trained many local riders’ vital techniques for safety on the road and speed in the circuit.

Chapter 7 – Toyota 2014

Now partnering up with Toyota to promote the newest version of the Vios, a new one-make series that sought to reach a wider audience through the inclusion of celebrity racers. Beginning in 2014, the series has dramatically evolved throughout the years, from a new version of the Vios, more race categories, new celebrities, and more experienced racers. After four successful years, however, Tuason Racing and Toyota Motor Philippines overhauled the event, and it became the Vios Racing Festival bringing more “Waku Doki” than ever before. This included the addition of the Vios Autocross Challenges as well as the Toyota Racing School circuit car classes for any aspiring champions.

Chapter 9 – Birth of Giti-FV1 2018

Formula V1 began as a way to level up local motorsports as it would fill in a gap between closed-wheeled and open-wheeled racing series. The V1 car is a proper single-seater race car and can move at a top speed of 220 mph. TRS would begin working with the Toyota Racing Development team and studied how the event worked in Japan. After careful research, TRS began to import, build, and sell the cars to interested racing teams. The first season started in 2018 with thirteen cars on the grid, and the second season saw further improvement with seventeen cars competing. The goal of the series continues in the offered prize as the champion of the current season is given an opportunity to represent the Philippines and race in Suzuka Circuit, Japan