HATAW! D'yaryo ng Bayan hatawtabloid.com
MATABIL
ni John Fontanilla
“I started very young, but underground, illegal,” ang kuwento ni Jomari Yllana sa pagkahilig sa motorsport.
Ang Motorsport Festival ay inorganisa ni Jomari kasama ang kanyang Yllana Racing Team katuwang ang Okada Manila.
Sa mediacon ng Okada Manila Motorsport Carnivale 2025, sinabi ni Jomari na, “I used to race for bets. I remember, hinuli pa ako ni Mayor Jinggoy.
“’Yun ‘yung time na ‘yan, ‘yung mga illegal drag racers na nandiyan sa creek side in Greenhills.
“I remember nakapila kami sa presinto, tapos tinawag niya ako tinanong ako kung ako ba ‘yung kasama ni Mark Anthony Fernandez sa Guwapings, ‘yung anak ni Rudy Fernandez.
“’Ikamusta mo ako kay Douglas (Quiano),’ sabi niya at pinakawalan na ako at sinabihang ‘wag na uulit.”
At pagkatapos ng nasabing insidente ay pinasok na niya ang pagiging professional race car.
“I went professional na after that. I was picked byToyota Team TOM’S in 1996 to be a professional race car driver.
“I learned a lot from them. That started my advocacy for road safety and to promote legal racers.”
At noong 2002 nang magkaroon ng anak (Andre Yllana) sa aktres na si Aiko Melendez ay pansantalang huminto siya sa pagri-race.
Pero taong 2011 ay binalikan nito ang pagri-race pero this time ay sinubukan naman ang international at nanalo.
“I launched Yllana Racing Team and we competed in Korea, nakatsamba naman, nanalo.
“And then, two or three years ago, I tried rally sprint, we became the first diesel-engine powered car that won in a rally, and now we’re doing events professionally.”
At sa May 4 ay magsisimula ang Motorsport Carnivale 2025 sa Okada Manila.
“In partnership with Okada Manila, our major presenter, we’re proud to bring back this celebration of speed, style and Filipino pride.
“We want to rally every racing enthusiast, family, and fan into one inclusive and passionate motorsport community.”
The action starts early with a Super Sprint from 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., followed by the much-awaited Grand Car Meet: Legends of the ’90s at 7:00 p.m..
Racing continues on May 31 with Jom’s Cup, an 1/8-mile drag racing challenge to be held at the Boardwalk and Gardens of Okada Manila.
A special EV car showcase with guest celebrities will be held during intermissions, adding a modern, sustainable twist to the day’s events. Other major motorsport events will be announced soon.
