Finally back in his own backyard, Cebuano racer Daniel Miranda hopes to thrive in familiar surroundings as he competes in the 2015 Toyota Vios Cup Season 2 second leg today at the South Road Properties.
The 18-year-old former karting champion called Cebu home for 15 years before moving to Manila three years ago.
The opportunity to showcase the driving skills that have made him one of the country’s top racing talents in front of family and friends is a cherished one for Miranda, who will be driving for Toyota Balintawak under the mighty umbrella of the powerhouse Obengers group.
“It’s good because it’s an opportunity for my friends to see me race,” Miranda said in a brief conversation with Cebu Daily News.
Miranda had an auspicious debut in the Vios Cup last March at the Clark International Speedway as he finished in second place in Race 2 of the Sporting class behind winner Pauland Dumlao of Toyota San Fernando.
Now, he hopes to redeem himself by getting the victory he was so close to last time around.
“Getting the right set-up and to be consistent with driving,” said Miranda on what he thinks will be the significant keys to taking home the crown this weekend, starting with the qualifying heats today.
The youngster also believes that the valuable experience he gained in karting will serve him well in the one-make race that features Toyota’s most salable vehicle, the Vios.
Chao Sy and Bobby Inoferio (seated front row) at the (left to right) Clint Suelto UC point guard,Britt Carlo Reroma USC Coach,Joever Samonte UC Coach,Danny Catingub UC Asst. Coach and John Calvin Jabello show thumbs up for their Mayors Invitational Basketball Cup 2015 these coming May 15-19 at La Fortuna hotel.
“It’s an advantage that I have background in karting, it makes it easier to adapt with the race conditions,” boldly proclaimed Miranda.
Miranda is part of Team Obengers, whose roster of racers include the who’s-who of racing’s elite bannered by first season champion Luis Gono of Toyota North Edsa.
CEBU RACING ATMOSPHERE
For Toyota North Edsa team principal Don Juan Miguel “Cosco” Oben, the Cebu sojourn is a fine opportunity for his team – a massive group of 40 people composed of drivers, crew, technicians, supporters and family – to experience a different racing atmosphere from the ones they’ve been accustomed to.
“We’re all happy to be here in Cebu and experience a different racing atmosphere compared to what we’re used to in Manila,” Oben said. “It’s a big production for our team as we had to bring a big group. We literally brought our whole racing team here in Cebu and we are all excited.”
Oben said he is looking forward to a successful stint here in Cebu, especially with the presence of Miranda.
“We’re all excited about Daniel (Miranda) racing in his hometown. Daniel showed his superb racing skills and capability during race 1 in Clark and I am very confident that he will do good here in Cebu,” Oben said.
Aside from North Edsa and Balintawak, the other teams under the Obengers’ umbrella include Toyota Otis and Toyota Marilao. Another former karting sensation, Basti Escalante, will race for Otis while Senator JV Ejercito will also banner North Edsa. The other drivers for Team Obengers are Raymond Ronquillo (Otis), and Robert Lilles and Paul Ang, both of Toyota Marilao.
CELEBRITIES
Meanwhile the celebrities joining the race showed up for a meet-and-greet session yesterday at the SM City Cebu.
Those present were Derek Ramsay, Sam YG, Phoemela Baranda, Jinno Rufino, Fabio Ide, Kylie Padilla and Jasmine Curtis.
Ramsay said the competition will be tough for him since he’s new to the event. He said Baranda and Sam YG will be the top contenders in their category because of their experience.
Also present yesterday was Japanese drift king Keiichi Tsuchiya.
/With a report from Glendale Rosal