Richard Mercado emerged from the smoke and scent of burning rubber as the Street Class champion recently in the fourth round of the Aisin Super Sprint Series at Parklinks in Quezon City.

Mark Cleo Legaspi ruled the Amateur Drivers category, while Boboy Rabe and Migui Briones dominated the Intermediate Drivers and Prepped Drivers classifications, respectively.

The event served as a crucible for both seasoned and budding racers. Final round is slated 17 September.

At its core, Super Sprint is a motorsport sub-discipline that puts a premium on precision, car control, and route navigation.

Distinct from traditional race circuits, these competitions unfold in expansive parking lots or open areas demarcated by traffic cones and barricades. The challenge: navigate through a labyrinth of twists, turns, slaloms, and straightaways to post the quickest time.

The organizers designed a track layout that was as intricate as it was demanding.

Designed to push competitors beyond their comfort zones, the course featured an array of technical challenges, from strategically placed slaloms, requiring razor-sharp reflexes to corners that tested the finesse of late braking and early acceleration, each section serving as a test of driver skill and vehicle maneuverability.

"A run is as much a mental game as it is a physical endeavor," a principle that stands testament to the intricacies of Super Sprint.

The sport doesn't merely reward sheer power but applauds a harmonious blend of controlled aggression and meticulous technique.

The challenges of the track thus demand a mastery of both vehicle dynamics and the cerebral aspects of racing, from trajectory planning to instantaneous decision-making.

Yet, what sets the Aisin Super Sprint Series apart is its commitment to fostering a sense of community among its participants.

Beginners are nurtured through guidance from seasoned racers, cultivating an environment where collective learning and skill improvement are prioritized. Conversations among spectators and competitors alike focused on diverse topics, from the subtleties of driving techniques to the importance of tire pressure and the secrets of optimal racing lines.

True enough, by emphasizing skill over raw power and creating a communal atmosphere, the series has succeeded in captivating a wide-ranging audience.

The event is presented by AISIN Philippines and backed by an extensive roster of sponsors including Riken Motorsports Philippines, Toyota Manila Bay, PartsPro, among others.

Special thanks were extended to Mr. Francis Radovan, Doodletea, and Mexicab for their invaluable support and assistance. Be sure to check out Super Sprint on Facebook and Instagram for the schedule of their final round for the 2023 season.