Yanson-Backed Racers Shatter 12-Year Philippine Drag Racing Record at Clark
Published on: January 20, 2026, 12:36 pm
A remarkable motorsports achievement has not only broken a long-standing national record but also showcased the vital role of private sector investment in advancing sports development and technological expertise in the Philippines. The 2026 National Drag Racing Championship (NDRC) witnessed history being made as a team from Bacolod delivered an extraordinary performance that reset the benchmark for front-wheel-drive vehicles.
Record-Breaking Performance at Clark International Speedway
During the opening leg of the national series held at the renowned Clark International Speedway, the trio of Mark Yanson, Carlo Tinsay, and Orlando-based tuner Omar Crespo achieved what many thought was improbable. They officially clocked a blistering time of 8.824 seconds in the 400-meter sprint, shattering a Philippine front-wheel-drive record that had stood unchallenged for an impressive twelve years.
This monumental feat was accomplished amidst fierce competition, with nearly one hundred entries from across the country vying for supremacy. The Bacolod team's victory was particularly significant as it ended a prolonged drought in national drag racing records, establishing a new standard for performance and engineering excellence.
Private Sector Support and International Collaboration
Behind this historic achievement stood the unwavering support of Leo Rey Yanson, chairman of the influential Yanson Group of Bus Companies. Known for his longstanding advocacy for sports development and technical precision, Yanson played a pivotal role in orchestrating the team's preparation and success.
His commitment to excellence extended beyond financial backing, as he personally facilitated a groundbreaking collaboration with Omar Crespo, a respected drag racer and high-performance vehicle tuner based in Orlando, Florida. Representing Area 51 Car Racers, Crespo brought with him advanced automotive tuning techniques and global best practices rarely seen in Philippine racing circuits.
"Seeing Bacolod achieve an official record makes me truly happy," expressed Leo Rey Yanson. "It's a testament to what can be achieved when passion for sport is matched by discipline, skill, and teamwork."
Engineering Philosophy Extending Beyond Racing
For Yanson, this motorsports collaboration represents more than just competitive success; it embodies a broader philosophy that connects high-performance racing with everyday engineering standards. He emphasized that the same meticulous attention to detail and rigorous engineering discipline applied in tuning their record-breaking vehicle mirrors the exacting standards maintained by the Yanson Group in building and operating public transport fleets nationwide.
This parallel between racing excellence and transportation reliability highlights how technical craftsmanship can transcend different sectors, creating synergies that benefit both sports and industry.
A Dream Realized for Bacolod Racers
The victorious racers, Mark Yanson and Carlo Tinsay, shared their profound gratitude and excitement following their record-setting performance. "We're humbled and proud," they stated. "This record is not just ours — it belongs to Bacolod. Getting an official Philippine record is a dream come true."
Although the team has decided not to compete in the remaining legs of the NDRC season, their primary objective was unequivocally achieved: securing an official Philippine record. Under NDRC competition rules, winners are determined through a comprehensive evaluation that includes outright speed, bracket racing, the Quick 8 shootout, and official national records — making their accomplishment even more significant.
Broader Implications for Philippine Sports Development
Beyond the immediate thrill of victory and record-breaking statistics, this achievement carries substantial implications for the future of Philippine sports. It demonstrates how strategic private sector support, combined with international technical collaboration and unwavering dedication to craftsmanship, can elevate local athletic talent to compete at the highest levels.
The successful partnership between Yanson Group, Bacolod racers, and international expertise serves as a compelling model for how corporate patronage can drive sports development while facilitating valuable technology transfer. As Philippine motorsports continues to evolve, this record-breaking performance at Clark International Speedway may well inspire similar collaborations across other sporting disciplines, fostering a new era of excellence and international competitiveness.
