HOW far can champions go?

The question will be answered when the Petron Xtra Mile Challenge Champions Run blasts off in early January next year with nine champion teams pitted against each other. They will trek the same path they passed when they first recorded their own feats in the latest version of the iconic marathon fuel-economy run.

With the record of 1,400 kilometers set by Team Zayco Hermanos in mid-2006 still standing, the winners of the previous Xtra Miles Challenge will make a fresh attempt to break the record.  Also contending for a new record will be racing legend Pocholo Ramirez, who set the first record at 1,114 km in May 2005 with his son Louis Ramirez.

Aside from the Team Zayco Hermanos, composed of Emilio Zayco and Emmanuel Zayco from Kabankalan City, Negros Occidental, the other two teams competing from the consumer edition of the challenge that was run in 2006 are the 37th Team (1,390 km) of Michael and Grace Asuncion, a married couple from Nueva Ecija; and Team AR (1,333-km) of Auto Review producer/host Ron de los Reyes with son and cohost Ronald de los Reyes.

From the 2007 Xtra Miles Challenge Media Edition, the contenders are The BusyBodies (1,343.7-km) of assistant business editors Roman Floresca of Philippine Star and Delfin Perez of Manila Bulletin; the Philippine Star Team (1,336-km) of senior account executive Jeff Reyes and motoring contributor Lester Dizon; and dzRH/dzRB Team (1,326.7 km) of dzRH senior reporter Jess Garcia with dzRB reporter Joseph Javier.

The Petron Xtra Mile Challenge Champions Run will travel the length of Luzon, from its northernmost tip in Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte, to the southernmost tip in Matnog, Sorsogon, before turning back. 

The competing cars are expected to run out of fuel around the area of Naga City, Camarines Sur, on the way back from Matnog, with high expectations for another record-breaking run.

Petron Xtra Unleaded’s unique formulation ensures optimum engine performance and lower fuel consumption.  It contains a high-performance detergent additive that provides an excellent engine-cleaning effect and a unique catalyst that conditions the fuel for more efficient combustion.  With its enhanced detergent and gas-saving packages, Petron Xtra Unleaded offers superior combustion for cleaner engine and better vehicle performance, as well as improved fuel economy for extra mileage.

The official vehicles for the 2008 Petron Xtra Mile Challenge Champions Run will be the Honda Jazz 1300 iDSi AT, and will be provided by the Honda Cars Makati group, Honda Cars Quezon City group and Honda Cars Kalookan. The national auto club—Automobile Association Philippines—and the Car Awards Group Inc. will act as official observers to verify the results of the Petron Xtra Mile Challenge Champions Run.

MUCH ado has been given toward the continued negative effect of fossil fuel. Fuel that almost all motor engine in the world uses today to function.

IT was so austere a ceremony that, at first glance, it didn’t appear at all to be an event staged by Toyota Motor Philippines Inc. (TMPI).

Not just a Previa preview

YOU will be a bit surprised maybe, but the truth is, I have driven the Previa in Japan.

What Previa, you may ask?  And why in Japan?

BusinessMirror Motoring wins Henry Ford Award

THE BusinessMirror motoring section was recently adjudged as the Best Motoring Section during the seventh staging of the annual Henry Ford Awards (HFA) held on December 5 at the Teatrino, Promenade in Greenhills, San Juan City.

Bosch holds second Media Kart Enduro

ROBERT Bosch Inc.’s automotive aftermarket division recently held its major motorsport event for 2007—the Bosch Media Kart Enduro II.

Champions to square off in Petron Xtra Miles Challenge

HOW far can champions go?

The question will be answered when the Petron Xtra Mile Challenge Champions Run blasts off in early January next year with nine champion teams pitted against each other.

Full Tank: My Christmas wish list

IT’S four days from today, Friday, to Christmas, Tuesday.  So, what have we got here?

Me, I got myself a list of persons that I need to be good to, else I might go astray. It’s panic time.

Eyes on the Road: Teen drivers

THE Christmas rush is still on and parties are everywhere, left and right.

This is the time of the year when the streets are full of drunken drivers whom the authorities seemingly allow to go around unhindered. Although it is dangerous to drink and drive, Filipinos appear to be good at it.