PHILIPPINES – Filipino Tamiya racers took the top three spots of the Open Class in the Tamiya Mini 4WD Asia Challenge 2019 held in Makati last weekend. Champion Melvin Bien Chavez won the best in Asia at the event, which was attended by the legendary Mr Shinsaku Tamiya, CEO of Tamiya corporation. The other Pinoy racers, Alvin John Linchangco and Darwin Basco rounded up the top three spots beating hundreds of competitors from 11 countries.
The racers spent hours practicing on the world class track, the first of its kind ever in the Philippines, before the competition. While international racers have been able to race on large 5 lane tracks in their local events, this was the first time that local racers had ever had the chance to race in a 5 lane track of this size. Local racers were very excited to see and experience the track. Although this added to the challenge, the Pinoy racers showed that they were ready.
“It was an honor to be able to host this event. It was the first time, in its 20 year history, to be hosted in the Philippines” said Ferdie Kahn, owner of The Brickyard.
“We prepared for almost a year to host this event. We desperately wanted to give our local racers the chance to participate and experience this world class event and we so proud of their success. They made their mark on the world stage”
The race featured a world class track, the first of it’s kind here in the Philippines. Over 10 countries participated with over 300 racers attending the event.
Mr Tamiya signed hundreds of Tamiya cars for avid fans and collectors.
Also taking center stage was the release of the Dyipne, a miniature replica of the iconic Philippine mode of public transportation, the jeepney. “What better way to commemorate the Asia Challenge in Manila and to showcase the Philippines and its culture than to immortalize the Dyipne, a true Philippine icon”, said Kahn.
The Brickyard which opened its doors in 2018 has been the epicenter of the Mini 4WD rebirth in the Philippines and even in Asia. It has hosted 6 of the largest Mini 4WD races in the country featuring almost 600 racers in each race, “2019-2020 will be even bigger. We intend to visit other regions and host our brand of racing,” said Kahn. “I invite everyone to join us and be apart of this wholesome hobby. As Mr Tamiya said, this is a hobby everyone in the family can enjoy.”
The winner of the Asian Challenge will be going to Japan in November to compete in the World Cup.
The Tamiya Mini4WD Asia Challenge is a yearly event held at different Asian countries. This year, it was hosted by The Brickyard and Lils Hobby Center at the Glorietta mall in Makati.
Tamiya Mini 4WD Asia competition results
Open Class Race
Champion: Melvin Bien Chavez (Philippines)
1st Runner Up: Alvin John Linchangco (Philippines)
2nd Runner Up: Darwin Basco (Philippines)
3rd Runner Up: John Eleazar Fabian (Philippines)
4th Runner Up: Hu Eunhwan (South Korea)
Stock Class Race
Champion: Jackraphan (Thailand)
1st Runner Up: Ong Chee Lin (Malaysia)
2nd Runner Up: Huttaprom (Thailand)
3rd Runner Up: Watcharapong (Thailand)
4th Runner Up: Arie Roque