Journos take D-Max power on dirt

It is usually the motoring media who writes about these races and it would only be fitting for them to experience and know exactly what a rally driver experiences during a race.

Motoring journalists were recently able to get behind the wheel of a rally-prepped truck first-hand in the Rally Driving Immersion Project (RDIP) powered by Isuzu Philippines Corporation (IPC).

The endeavor was able to provide participants with formal training on rally driving techniques from the country’s top drivers.

The affair’s main objective was to provide the motoring media with an in-depth knowhow about car-control in order for them to convey to their readers and viewers through their respective media outlets the real capabilities, specifically power and performance, of the cars.

The RDIP, in partnership with the Philippine Rally School (PRS) and the Philippine Rallycross Series (PHRX) staged the affair at the rallycross facility of the Pradera Verde Estates in Lubao, Pampanga. PRS’ veteran rally drivers Jun Magno, Steve Acayan and Denise Santos shared their expertise with the participants in a controlled dirt course. The basics included were: proper driving position, rally lines (late apex), braking, car-control on loose surface, basic maneuvers and driving on a skid pad.

ISUZU D-Max powered the rally-driving experience.

Media participants from Philippine Star, Manila Bulletin, Manila Times, Daily Tribune, BusinessMirror, Business World, C! Magazine, AutoIndustriya, GoFlatOut, Visor!, Car Guide PH, Motoring Today, Auto Review, WheelsPH and Autocar were able to personally experience the muscle of the Isuzu D-Max 3.0-liter 4×4 AT. This brute is powered by a 4JJ1-TC four-cylinder In-line DOHC diesel engine with turbo intercooler which produces 161 hp and 380 N-m torque.

A brainchild of veteran motoring journalist Anjo Perez, the RDIP also aims to help raise the popularity of the event rally racing through the experiential ride and drive event for the media.

“It is usually the motoring media who writes about these races and it would only be fitting for them to experience and know exactly what a rally driver experiences during a race,” he said.

“Hopefully, after undergoing the Rally Driving Immersion Project, the motoring journalists will be able to convey their first-hand experiences.”