2024 SEAOIL Radical Challenge Philippines: A Thrilling Season Kicks Off with BPI as New Partner

The 2024 SEAOIL Radical Challenge Philippines, powered by SEAOIL’s race-engineered Extreme-97 fuel, returned with high-octane action, marking another exciting season of the country’s fastest race series.

By Radical

21 Oct 2024

The season brings the debut of the SR3 Challenge Cup and a new event partner, BPI, amplifying the excitement on and off the track. The two-round calendar, starting from September 20-22 at the Batangas Racing Circuit (BRC), was followed by the season finale from October 11-13 at the Clark International Speedway.

This year, the SEAOIL Radical Challenge Philippines follows a three-day race weekend format, featuring Free Practice on Fridays, Qualifying and Race 1 on Saturdays, and Races 2 and 3 on Sundays. The sprint races, lasting 30 minutes each, ensure non-stop, adrenaline-pumping action across the weekend. SEAOIL continues its commitment as the title partner and official fuel supplier, with SEAOIL Extreme 97 Octane being the approved fuel for maximum performance.

““We are thrilled to announce the return of the SEAOIL Radical Challenge Philippines for 2024. For the third year in a row, we’re collaborating with Radical Philippines to bring heart-pounding racing action to the track. This year, with the support of our new sponsor, BPI, we’re excited to welcome both returning racers and new talent to compete in the fastest race series in the country. Our premium SEAOIL Extreme 97 gasoline, designed for maximum performance, will power each team just like last year. This high-octane fuel is available at over 830 SEAOIL stations nationwide, so every Filipino motorist can experience the thrill of racing-grade power.”

Edward Cruz, Head of B2C Segment Marketing at SEAOIL Philippines

BPI’s partnership, spearheaded by its Agency Banking arm, also signals the bank’s strategic move into motorsports, aiming to expand its network and engage with new audiences in the racing community.

““We are excited to partner with Radical Motorsports Philippines and SEAOIL, a trusted BPI partner store. As the official bank partner of the SEAOIL Radical Challenge Philippines, we are committed to expanding our network and engaging with customers in new and exciting ways. This partnership allows us to reach new audiences and showcase our dedication to making financial services more accessible to every Filipino, even in the vibrant racing community.””

Rally Jereza, Head of BPI Agency Banking

First Round Drama at BRC

The 2024 season kicked off at the Batangas Racing Circuit, setting a high bar for excitement with a grid featuring both Radical SR1s and SR3s. The opening round saw heated competition, culminating in four different class winners across three thrilling races. Mikey Jordan surprised everyone in qualifying by securing the fastest lap, despite being relatively new to the series. Rainy Medina, in a Radical SR1, also impressed by finishing P2 in qualifying, setting the tone for a dramatic weekend.

In Race 1, Medina took advantage of his strong start and overtook Jordan early on. Portuguese driver Andre Rodrigues, in an SR3, eventually joined the battle, overtaking Jordan to claim the SR3 class win, while Medina secured the SR1 Challenge Cup victory. In Race 2, drama ensued as Medina and Sydney Sarmiento collided, opening the door for Rodrigues and Jordan to fight for the SR3 lead, with Rodrigues eventually winning again.

The final Race 3 saw Jordan redeem himself by overtaking Rodrigues after a minor error, securing his first SR3 Challenge Cup win. Meanwhile, Medina continued his strong performance, claiming another SR1 win, followed by Sarmiento and Edmunds, wrapping up an action-packed opening round at BRC.

Looking Ahead to Round 2

After the success of the first round at BRC, the 2024 SEAOIL Radical Challenge Philippines heads to Clark International Speedway for its season finale from October 11-13. With the competition heating up and both SR1 and SR3 drivers showcasing incredible skill, the stage is set for an electrifying conclusion to the season.

Credit : Randolph de Leon, Autocar Philippines