The Philippine Drag Racing Federation, now known as the PHILIPPINE DRAG RACING FAMILYSPORT (PDRF) was formed in October 1992 to promote drag racing as a SAFE and FUN-FILLED motorsport. The NHRA, (formed in the early ‘50s by Wally Parks, who was the first editor of HOT ROD Magazine and said to be the first American stationed in the country to stuff in a V8 in a jeep), is the appointed world drag ra
cing body by the FIA. Locally, PDRF is recognized by the FIA Philippine representative, Automobile Association of the Philippines or AAP (formerly Philippine Motor Association or PMA), Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), PNP--Traffic Management Group (TMG) and the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) as the longest running legal drag racing body in the country. The NHRA started assisting the PDRF in 1994, through its then International Relations Director MELVYN RECORD. He was then replaced in 1998 by Ms DESIREE ROWLAND Also, assisting the PDRF in rules and technical matters is JIM SKELLY, Technical Communications Director. Also, in 1994, folowing NHRA’s global campaign, PDRF launched the “RACE THE STRIP, NOT THE STREETS” drive, in cooperation with the DILG, PNP-TMG and MMDA aimed at encouraging young drivers to refrain from engaging in illegal street racing activities and to provide them a safe venue for organized drag racing. Also, in that year, PDRF launched the “NO to DRUGS, YES to DRAGS!” campaign. Cognizant of the PDRF’s determination and dedication to promote legal drag racing, the late CONRADO “Dodo” AYUYAO, a top notch lawyer, veteran drag racer and president of the Philippine Motor Association for 18 years, commissioned PDRF in early 1998 to introduce “Elapsed Time (e.t ) Bracket Drag Racing” in the country, with the aid of an electronic timing system. Through Ayuyao’s efforts, the PMA acquired the Port-A-Tree electronic drag race timing system.. PDRF exclusively used the PMA Port-A-Tree from the last quarter of 1998 to year 2001. While we have “lost” a very good friend, DODO AYUYAO will forever be part of PDRF and Philippine drag racing! (The Philippines’ first Bracket Racing Champions, in late 1998, were MIO BOLANOS (Pro class, Toyota Sprinter), D**G JARLEGO (Sportsman class, Civic HB) and DENNIS NAVARRO (Street Stock class, MazdaSpeed 323). Having an electronic timing system is extremely important to any drag racing organization. For one thing, it makes for a more fair and reliable judge for the contest. People tend to question other people rather than high tech equipment. This eliminates the “human factor” in close races and the ensuing arguments, as in the “traditional system”. This also instills confidence among the participants and the organizers. With an electronic timing system, a larger field of racers can be created. It also increases the number of competitors, as well as the types of cars. The event becomes more interesting not only for the drag racers but also for the racing fans. In Metro Manila, PDRF holds its drag race events at the Manila Harbour Centre. Outside Metro Manila, we have OMNI Dragway, Omni Aviation Complex, Clark Air Base, Angeles City; Plaridel and Lingayen Airports,Cebu SRP Street, Cebu City, and Speed City Race Track, Davao City.
