The Honda City 1.3 of Honda Cars Laguna again proved its motorsport prowess. This time it was showcased in the Metro Hill Climb. Rounds 3 and 4 were held over one weekend in Mount Samat, Bataan. Round 3 was a night race going up Mount Samat, while the final round, round 4, was held at the break of dawn. The course for both rounds was 3.85 kilometers.
The Honda City 1.3 came out having won both rounds in the Group 1 (up to 115hp) class. It was a very exciting and challenging race for Group 1 honors as HCLA Sport rally driver, Ivan Isada, fought out championship awards with the Baguio City based hill climb drivers, Imay Datu (Honda Civic Lxi), and Group 1 North Hill Climb Champion, Dennis Dupo, (Mitsubishi Lancer) who both came very close to gaining the top spot. In fact, round 3 found the HCLA Sport driver, Isada, down by 5 tenths of a second from Datu in the first heat. That was until engine trouble hounded the Baguio based driver which led to the Honda City and Isada catching up time with an improved .81 seconds to win the night round. The Group 1 championship for the Metro Hill Climb only had to be concluded for the HCLA Sport Team by having Isada finish at least one run out of the two given heats in round 4. The task was accomplished but it never came easy as other group 1 racers pressed on hard. Dennis Dupo gained first blood on the earlier run up, followed by Isada, while Datu right behind. Full focus and a smooth, fast drive up Mount Samat was the only tactic decided by Ivan Isada in the Honda City 1.3 to gain 1st for the Group 1 awards. The tactic then resulted to an official time of 3’02.18 seconds, which was a full three second improvement from the night race and a .08 lead to the next Group 1 contender. It was a successful weekend for HCLA Sport with a naturally aspirated 1.3L equipped Honda City.
Heat 2 of Round 4 2012 Metro Hill Climb.
The Honda City has now made a historic mark in local motorsports with the 2012 Metro Hill Climb events together with last year’s 2011 RallyEKross (rallycross) Open Class and Group 1 awards as well. The Honda City 1.3 of Honda Cars Laguna will now continue to press on once again in the 2012 RallyEKross this coming 3rd of June, 2012.
Heat 1 of Round 4 2012 Metro Hill Climb.
Some Group 1 Rules, Guidelines and Restrictions from Hill Climb Club of the Philippines
4.3 Classes
GROUP 1 115 HP and below
4.4 Tires
4.4.1 Only STREET TIRES with treadwear above 180 are allowed for Group 1 and Group 2 cars. A Group 1 or Group 2 car fitted with tires with treadwear 180 or below will automatically be entered in Group 3.
4.5 Fuel
The use of any fuel is allowed.
4.6 Restrictions
GROUP 1
4.6.1 Swapping or exchanging of engine components from a different engine make or model is NOT allowed.
4.6.2 Only the original engine control unit (ECU) or computer box specific to the engine is allowed. Tampering of the ECU is NOT allowed.
4.6.3 The original (intake) air box must be used. RAM AIR is NOT allowed.
4.6.4 The original exhaust manifold must be used.
4.6.5 Replacing the body components with composite material or any light weight material other than the original is NOT permitted. The removal of passenger seats and carpet is permitted.
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