Jun Cabrera: The race is on
Jun Cabrera and the JDM Autopro team
* "Having our racetrack is also good for our tourism industry because a lot of spectators will come here to witness a race"
Twenty years of racing experience. A united Team JDM Autopro Iloilo as a support group. A well-equipped and conditioned car. Talent. Prayer.
These are some of the ingredients for Iloilo-based Jun Cabrera to become the champion in the Class B Category of the Tommy Osmeña Cup held in Cebu last Feb. 23 and 24, 2008. This is the first for Iloilo.
Cabrera is a businessman who co-owns JDM Autoparts with fellow car enthusiast Mark Colorado. He is one of the directors of Autopro Iloilo, which is founded in 2006. Learn more about him and the race in this interview.
Jun Cabrera receiving the award (at right)
Kathy M. Villalon (KMV): Can you tell us more about the Tommy Osmeña Cup?
Jun Cabrera (JC): The race was sanctioned by the Philippine Drag Racing Family Sport (PDRF). There were five classes --- Class A, B, C, D and Quick 8. In a drag race, the least amount of time refers to the fastest. In Class D, the speed was at 16 seconds and above; C, 14.5 to 15.9 seconds; Class B, 13 to 14.5 seconds; and Class A, 12.9 and faster. The Quick 8 was for the eight fastest cars. The speed of the car depends on its set-up, like its engine and chassis.
Last February 23, we had a dial-in. Here, we were allowed to run as often as we wanted to see which class our car could qualify in. It was also the time to finetune our car. One doesn't normally see the actual performance of the car if one does not reach the racetrack. February 24 was the race proper.
The race was held at the South Roads Property (SRP). This 400-meter racetrack was closed during the two-day event. A week before, it was closed every night for practice. It has the nicest racetrack in the country.
KMV: What's your record?
JC: 13.1 seconds. I was going against a contender from Cebu, who trailed at 13.3 seconds.
Jun Cabrera's car
KMV: What car did you use?
JC: A simple black Honda Civic EF.
KMV: What did you win?
JC: I won a trophy and the honor. It was the first time that somebody from Iloilo won. There were 130 participants.
KMV: How did you feel about winning?
JC: I feel fulfilled after the hard work that I put in to be the best in this sport. We want to win and we always try to do so.
KMV: What were your preparations before the race?
JC: I ensured my safety. I personally checked the car. I also prayed.
Team JDM Autopro
KMV: And how was the experience during the race?
JC: I felt a rush of adrenaline. I enjoyed the speed and I just couldn't contain my excitement.
KMV: Were there other Ilonggos who participated?
JC: Yes, JR Tugbang, our president in Autopro Iloilo as well as other groups called Performance Maniax and Team Haboy. We went there as Team JDM Autopro Iloilo.
KMV: Would you join Class A someday?
JC: Yes, we will. This is our third time to join. Before, we brought sleek cars. Last February, it was not the case. You can see that the black car is nothing much when it comes to amenities. We removed the luxuries to make it lighter. This car has one seat and no air conditioning unit. What's important is we run fast.
KMV: Who would you like to thank for their support in this race?
JC: I'd like to thank my parents. Then, Flow Resto Lounge, Valvoline, Jaro Glass, NH Motors, Espups, Medcoe, Ace Melendez, PSI/Zinon Setias, Kirskat Venture, Hazel Lopez, Planters Auto Supply, Domescon Motor Sales, BXN Glass and Aluminum, San Francisco Auto Parts, Tiu-Palacios Car Sales, Ted's Oldtimer La Paz Batchoy, Boy Raul Marketing, Josephine's Video Bar and Restaurant, Inter-Asia Marine Transport, BVP Emission Center, Poy Madayag, Pro Racing, IBEE Auto Supply, Food Stuff, Breakthrough, Bobby Badilla, Standard Insurance, William Auto Supply, Delta Box Internet and Heaven's Pour.
KMV: Do you have a site where our readers can view the race?
JC: The race can be viewed in YouTube.com JDM/Autopro.
KMV: How long have you been into cars?
JC: Twenty years starting when I was in Manila. I grew up there but my mother is an Ilongga. I was first a car fanatic and then my first race was in the 1988 RMS Slalom Series in Manila.
KMV: Drag racing is illegal in Iloilo. How do you practice?
JC: Oh, we get ideas from playstation, video games and the Internet. We play racing games in our computers.
KMV: What do you want to see in Iloilo racing in the future?
JC: For us to have our own racetrack but there seems no feasible area. Having our racetrack is also good for our tourism industry because a lot of spectators will come here to witness a race.
KMV: What's your dream race?
JC: One where the whole team wins. Where Iloilo sweeps one event, so that everybody's happy.