Tour De Cebu, the country's only 1,000-km tourism and history car rally, is back on the road from 29 September and 3 October.
Open to owners of sports cars manufactured in 1972 and earlier, the rally is organized by the Performance and Classics Enthusiasts (PACE) of Cebu, with support from the Manila Sports Car Club (MSCC).
The Tour De Cebu was conceived as a celebration of a decade of friendships formed and shaped by the open road, but has blossomed into a major driver for road tourism, highlighting the beautiful roads and highways as well as the many scenic spots of the Visayan islands.
It has captured the imagination of many classic car enthusiasts and fans.
Tour De Cebu was awarded the 2019 Sports Tourism Adventure Event of the Year by the Sports Tourism Awards Group.
The official list for eligible sports cars is based on the official list as compiled by the MSCC.
PACE grants limited exception to the following:
1. Classic cars manufactured on or below the cutoff date of 1972 with high historic value or unique provenance in the Philippines;
2. Classic period correct race or rally cars manufactured on or below the cut off date of 1972, especially exhibiting high historical value or prestige;
3. Run on sports car models beyond the manufacturing cutoff of 1972 are allowed pending technical consensus.
Frequently asked questions:
1. What is the definition of run on models?
Run on is defined as car models that began manufacturing prior to 1972 and whose production run has extended beyond that date. The key elements that determine eligibility are primarily based on the phrase "no substantial change" — or if the runoff model engine size has increased or a chassis change has occurred.
There is no fixed rule on the extent of substantial change, since the final decision is made through technical consensus of the organizing committee.
2. What modifications are allowed?
Period correct modifications are allowed especially on mechanical components. Period correct is defined to be plus or minus five years. Hence, a car may sport larger engines or other mechanical upgrades as long as such modifications were within the period of plus or minus five years when the car was made.
Cosmetic modifications are encouraged to be period correct, but are not given the same weight of discourse.
3. What safety equipment are required?
The minimum safety equipment are working seatbelts, proper seats, properly maintained mechanical components (brakes, tires, etc.), and a fire extinguisher. Safety of the vehicle is the responsibility of the participant and not of the organizer.
The organizer, however, has the right to disqualify an entry based on safety considerations. The participant is allowed to appeal and correct any safety issue.
4. What does high historic value or unique provenance mean?
A exemption is given to non-sports cars that have a history of racing or rallying as a manufacturer entry. A exemption may also be granted if the car is currently campaigning in the MSCC historic races.
An exemption may also be granted for exceptional non-sports cars especially with unique provenance of valuable ownership or historical significance.
5. Why are there cars allowed under exemption for PACE?
Tour De Cebu is a private club event. PACE members are given for lateral leeway in interpretation of the rules of eligibility.
6. What is the rule on replicas?
Replicas are allowed pending two critical guidelines. First , there must be no entry of the original car or variants of the original car. Second, the replica must conform to a high build accuracy following the maxim of "in the spirit of." Essentially the replica must replicate the driving experience of
the original.
Certain leeway is granted for modern manufacturing especially in consideration of safety. But the driving experience must conform to the original intent.
Some of this year's entries which really make TourDeCebu a touristic rally and a rolling museum at the same time are:
1979 Opel GT, 1957 MGA, 1972 Porsche 914, 1868 Alfa Romeo Giulia, 1965 Porsche 912, 1970 Lancia Fulvia Zagato, 1968 Mercedes Benz 280 SL, 1960 Porsche 356B Cabriolet, 1974 MGB, 1961 Jaguar XKE, 1972 Datsun 240Z, 1968 Porsche Targa, 1963 Corvette, 1974 Alfa Romeo Spider, 1966 Toyota Sports 800, 1966 Shelby Mustang, 1971 Lotus Europa, Michel Speedster, Michel Spyder, Kougar Jaguar, 1969 Alfa Romeo 1750 GTV, and 1969 BMW 2002.
Tour de Cebu is sponsored by Petron Blaze 100 Euro 6 (official fuel sponsor), Vintage Grail , BE Resort (official hotel in Bohol), NUSTAR Resort and Casino (official hotel in Cebu), FASTCAT, Johnny Air Cargo, 103.5 Retro Cebu, Nature Spring, Span Asia Carriers, ERUF, Cinco Automotive, Nice Day Carwash and Toyota Team Cebu (official support vehicle).
The event is managed by Tradeshow International, Inc.
For more details, contact Sophie delos Santos at tourdecebu@gmail.com
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