by: Rtn. Chuck Montecillo

Double Win By Redline Racing Rookie

The Production Championship series of the Petron Grand Prix has proven to be the most exciting and most watched race at the Subic International Raceway. A heated battle between competitors like Vincent Floirendo, Carlo Pastor, the whole MP Turbo Team and the Rookie, Chuck Montecillo of Redline Racing raged in two rounds of racing during the March 18-19 weekend.

On Saturday (03/18/2000) qualifying, the Redline Racing Rookie, Montecillo, was edged out from pole position by Carlo Pastor of the TEC Racing team. Chuck’s time was 1:42:71 versus Pastor’s 1:42:13. Vincent Floirendo qualified 3^rd with a time of 1:43:08. The once dominant MP Turbo team of Mike Potenciano was relegated to mid-pack on the starting grid, with a best qualifying position of 4^th, claimed by veteran driver, Carlos Anton.

Round 5 of the Production Championship were truly exciting. On the first lap, Montecillo, Pastor and Floirendo battled for position. Close racing between the three drivers continued until the third lap when the Redline Racing driver passed Carlo Pastor for first place. Chuck then continued on to win the race with Vincent finishing in 2^nd. The fastest lap of the race was set by Montecillo.

Round 6 battle proved to be even more heated. After the 2^nd lap, Chuck Montecillo was relegated to 7^th place, after a controversial passing maneuver by Carlos Anton. Slowly moving up the pack, the Redline Racing driver passed the MP Turbo team one by one. Montecillo crossed the finish line behind Floirendo. But because of a rule infraction, Vincent Floirendo’s car was deemed illegal and was then disqualified, allowing Montecillo the top position at the podium. Mike Potenciano and Carlos Anton claimed 2^nd and 3^rd place, respectively.