Now in its 2nd year, the Philippine Overland Expedition (PHL-OX) 2024 is guaranteed to take extreme 4×4 racing and Overlanding to the next level, with the introduction of more challenging obstacles, the inclusion of international-spec 4×4 rigs, and the opportunity for non-competitors to experience General Nakar like never before. PHL-OX 2024 is truly an adventure for the brave.
According to an article entitled “So Fight the Brave,” which appeared in the Sunday Times Magazine on March 3, 1946, writer TD Agcaoili narrates that when General Guillermo Nakar was detained at Fort Santiago, he regularly used the thumbs-up gesture to signal that “everything was okay, keep your chin up, and keep on fighting” thus uplifting the spirit of the inmates.
General Nakar, Quezon is home not only to some of the most challenging terrains in the country, but its unpredictable weather can render the jungle trail unpassable in the blink of an eye. An adventure through the jungles of General Nakar isn’t one for the weak-hearted but for the resilient and brave, off-roaders and adventurers who will never give up until they cross the finish line.
Happening from February 19 to 25, 2024, in General Nakar, Quezon, and Dingalan, Aurora, the Petron Philippine Overland Expedition will not only include technical multi-stage segments designed to challenge each competitor’s driving and survival skills but will also include an expedition that will give camper participants a chance to traverse the very same jungle trail that the competition convoy will take to Dingalan, Aurora.
COMPETITOR RIGS
Participants may opt to join the Team Competition as a group comprised of three rigs with six competitors. But unlike in the maiden edition, where competitor teams were required to use production vehicles with slight modifications, competitors can now include prototype and modified rigs provided the team has a minimum of one production vehicle and a maximum of one prototype vehicle.
Prototype rigs are heavily modified race rigs built to compete in highly technical 4×4 competitions. There are no restrictions in terms of the engine type and body structure for these types of vehicles, provided they adhere to the safety guidelines of the competition. Windshields, firewalls, and functioning electrical systems are a must. Modified rigs, on the other hand, are production units that have been customized in terms of body size and engine type while retaining the production look of the vehicle.
For the Prototype and Modified category vehicles, special emphasis will be given to driver safety in addition to vehicle setup and capabilities, with rig specifications used in international 4×4 competitions to be followed.
For the Team Competition, participating vehicles must have full recovery and river crossing capacity; hence, winch and snorkels are required. Each team must also be self-reliant, bringing with them provisions such as food, water, power sources, as well as critical vehicle spare parts and supplies.
For PHL-OX 2024, the event will officially flag off from the General Nakar Municipal Hall in Quezon province, with each competitor team tasked to complete multiple timed stages (TS), en route to the final challenge in Dingalan, Aurora.
Timed stages are man-made and natural tracks designed to test each competitor’s off-road driving, navigation, and recovery skills.
The team with the fastest time to complete each TS will receive maximum points. Penalty points will be deducted should a competitor fail to adhere to certain safety guidelines, such as not wearing a seatbelt while the vehicle is in motion and not using gloves when winching.
WHAT’S AT STAKE?
Similar to PHL-OX 2022, there will be a prize pot of PHP1,000,000, with the champion team taking home PHP500,000. The 2nd and 3rd placers will receive PHP200,000 and PHP100,000 respectively. Special Awards will also be given to select Competitor Teams and individual competitors for performance-related achievements during the competition.
PH OVERLAND EXPO
Camper participants of the PH OVERLAND EXPO, which takes place from February 21 to 25, have the option to elevate their PHLOX experience by joining as a full-time camper/spectator, tagging along the competition convoy from Campsite 1 in Masanga Point to Campsite 2 in Dingalan, Aurora.
Full-time campers may opt to take NLEX to Dingalan, or via Machine Gun Hill trail to Umiray, General Nakar, the same route that will be taken by competitor teams. Those who wish to join the competition convoy will be required to submit their vehicle for inspection on February 20.
Campers also have the option to join the event as camper/spectator in either the Masanga Point or Dingalan campsite only.
PHL-OX 2024 is co-organized by Mototesto Overland Equipment Philippines and All Traction Performance with support from Petron Corporation, Motolite, ARB 4×4 Philippines, Bushranger, and Second Air.
HOW TO REGISTER
Visit www.mototesto.com to register.