TALENT show finalist Gio Rodriguez literally smoked the opposition and came out on top in the 2013 Hyundai Lateral Drift Pro-Am Championship at the Megatent in Libis, Quezon City.
Rodriguez, a finalist in the fourth season of ABS-CBN’s 'Pilipinas Got Talent' show, topped three of the six rounds to secure first place in the pro division.
Six-time champion Alex Perez settled for second place while Audel Sison salvaged a podium finish by finishing in third.
Mark Bernardo, the 2013 Rookie of the Year, was named overall champion in the amateur division. Second place went to E.J. Malibiran and Rob Tan occupied the final place in the podium.
Japanese drift drivers Hiromi Kajikuma and Kimihiro Obata, known as the 'Drift Couple,' graced the series as guest judges for the culminating round.
Hyundai Asia Resources, Inc. president and CEO Ma. Fe Perez-Agudo said, “As we promote Filipino motorsport champions with international clout, we raise Hyundai as a brand to contend with in the world of motorsports and affirm how our cars’ modern premium features exceed the expectations, not just of discriminating city drivers, but also of the toughest motorsports contenders.”
Agudo added that the company looks forward to an even more “high-energy” Season 9 of the Hyundai Lateral Drift Series as the Korean car manufacturer intends to drive greater awareness and create a bigger fanbase for motorsports in the country.
The winners were honored at the awards ceremony held at the Hyundai offices at the Bonifacio Technology Center in Bonifacio Global City.
HARI chairman Edward S. Go and Perez-Agudo, together with Lateral Drift Productions, Inc. president Charlie Cruz presented the awards.
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