Raider Breed Wars: Raising the Standards of Drag Racing in the Country

Drag racing trace back its roots in 1930s where young hot rod race their cars in the streets of California as teens trick up their vehicles to boast their impressive mechanical abilities. Along the way, even motorcycles enthusiasts have engaged in the same dangerous game. Even then, this has been regarded as illegal matches between two drivers trying to cover a distance at the fastest speed.

Eventually, sometime around the 1950s, drag racing has evolved into a SPORT through the creation of drag racing governing bodies for cars and motorcycles which eventually led to the hosting of drag racing events all over United States and Canada.

Though considered a SPORT in other countries, DRAG RACING in the Philippines sadly has lived up to the nostalgia of being illegal and has always been associated with drugs, riots, gambling and fatal accidents.

Recognizing the Filipinos’ hunger for action and their great potential for excellence in this sport, Suzuki Philippines took it as their advocacy  to set up a program that would elevate the sport of drag racing by providing the sports enthusiasts the proper venue and standards.  This was realized with the pilot run of the RAIDER BREED WARS (RBW) in 2010.

Raider Breed Wars is a National Drag Racing competition sanctioned by the National Motorcycle Safety and Sports Association (NAMSSA). Its aim is to provide racing enthusiasts the proper and legal venue to race. Just like other drag racing competition, participants will test their speed in a quarter mile long strip. No grounds on bound since it is a free event for everybody.  Furthermore, participants are required to follow strict playing rules and are obliged to use proper safety gears like knee pads, elbow pads, back protector, mid/high cut shoes and helmets that pass safety standard requirement (ECE, DOT, SNELL, ICC, etc.). Top finishers for each category will qualify for the Raider Breed Wars Final.

During its first year, the Raider Breed Wars received wide acceptance as Suzuki has established a regulating body that governs an activity that was formerly perceived in a bad light.  On its second year, Raider Breed Wars became bigger, with two additional legs in North Luzon and Mindanao, and this time, with the participation of Phoenix Cyclomax as the new partner.   It was also during this time that Suzuki brought its Finals in Manila for the first time in Aseana Blvd. in Paranaque City. With the success of the first two Raider Breed Wars, 2012 is proving to be a bigger and grander year for the event as it aims to   raise the sports to a higher level.

And now, for 2012., RAIDER BREED WARS has taken its bolder form as THE NATIONAL DRAG RACING CHAMPIONSHIP 2012. For Luzon races, this will be under  TURBO RACING, while the Visayas and Mindanao races will be under SUZUKI RACE WARS  which is organized  by 5^TH GEAR MOTORSPORTS. Both races will have  three (3) exclusive Suzuki Categories such as Raider 150, Underbone 115 and Scooter 130 Category.

There will be a total of eleven (11) qualifying races in Luzon and five (5) in Visayas and Mindanao. The First and Second place finisher will qualify for the Regional Finals to be held in Clark Pampanga on November 18, 2012 (Luzon) and Tagum on November 25, 2012 (Visayas and Mindanao). While, First, Second, Third and Fourth finishers in the Regional will qualify for the National Finals in December, 2012 to be held in Aseana Blvd., Paranaque City with prizes at stake up to Php 50,000.00. All categories are open for all Suzuki motorcycle owners that are eligible based on the set standards of the race.

True to Suzuki’s commitment of promoting safety and sportsmanship, the Raider Breed Wars have instilled discipline among participants through proper gearing during the race, and strict safety measures for spectators as well.  To date (2012 scheduled races) there had been no reported fatal accidents or injuries both of the riders and spectators.  Proof that Suzuki is attaining its vision - – TO RECOGNIZE DRAG RACING AS A SPORT.

The 2012 National Drag Racing Championship is powered by Pheonix Cyclomax. A brand of Motorcycle Oils distributed by Phoenix Petroleum Philippines, Inc, one of the fastest growing independent oil companies in the country today.

In partnership with Phoenix, Suzuki National Drag Racing Championship is currently being held in different race strips in the Philippines.

The proud winners after receiving their trophies from Suzuki Philippines and Phoenix Petroleum Philippines, Inc.