AFTER technical and safety inspections of competing vehicles held simultaneously on March 25 in the San Miguel By the Bay premises for NCR-based entries and in Baguio City for entries based in the north, the second round of the 2008 Hill Climb Series organized by the Hill Climb Club of the Philippines (HCCP) in partnership with Wave 89.1, Hotwire Studio 23, San Miguel By the Bay, Eibach Springs, Speedlab, Prince Plaza Hotel and sanctioned by the Automobile Club of the Philippines roars off on March 29 and 30 in one of the pine tree-lined zigzag roads of Benguet. The first car will flag off at 8:00 a.m. on both dates. 

The event, which was made possible by the Benguet Visitors Bureau, Benguet Gov. Nestor Fongwan, Public Works regional director Mariano Alquiza, Itogon Mayor Mario Godio, barangay Loacan chairman Anecito Canuto, Spectrum Communications Inc. and organized in support of the Hub of Hope free day-care and breast-milk bank, will feature the highest ascent in the series as well as challenging corners on a four-kilometer course set on a concrete tarmac with a breathtaking altitude change of 275 meters demarcated by sheer cliffs that will surely unnerve even the bravest drivers.         

A 50-strong entry list, which includes, among others, 2007 National Hill Climb Champion and current overall series leader Carlos Anton; Alfie Concepcion; rally drivers Carlo Garcia, Denise Santos and Dindo de Jesus; touring car champion Vin Santos; Lance Binamira; Tris Magbanua; Mon Dimapilis; Danby Yaptinchay; rally codriver Steve Acayan; Martin Aguirre; former national dirt trial champion Jun Magno; and 29 entries from Baguio City led by veteran car rallyist Mario Dipasupil, will compete for awards in four categories.

The second round of the Hill Climb Series is being held as a prelude to the venue’s possible inclusion in the 2009 Asian Hill Climb Series, which is currently in the works.

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Hill Climb second round roars off this weekend

AFTER technical and safety inspections of competing vehicles held simultaneously on March 25 in the San Miguel By the Bay premises for NCR-based entries and in Baguio City for entries based in the north,