Wednesday, July 30, 2008

The Purple Legend

It was early January of 1999; joining the Shell Slalom Challenge - as a novice driver, equiped with very little racing experience nor heritage, driving a single ported 1600 modified 1969 Beetle, One competent and innovative racing crew (Philip Lazatin), and a few thousand pesos to burn! It was during the times when I decided to quit a 4 consecutive year of running The Cavite Volkswagen Club as President and instead - went to where the action is - in Competing! (Racing)

It started when David Espinosa and I, watched a Slalom Race in Island Cove, when at that time, I was driving my Nissan Sentra. David Strangely insisted for some reason for me to join Slalom Racing which was sponsored by Shell that was organized by Bingbang and Lito Dulce (Racing legends of the Philippines). sometimes, I question where does David get his Crazy ideas like me getting into racing? Eventually, his persistence won. I decided to enter my daily driver 1996 Sentra LEC in my first Slalom Race; since I knew nothing about Slalom at that time, but I was of course equiped with a back up plan, I secured myself some sponsorship with Prestige Auto Shop and Elf, so when I went to Alabang for the first leg, I was driving a very healthy Sentra. - I won second place that day in the Clubman Category. not bad for a 1300cc front wheel drive car and for a first timer. With this serendipituous built up confidence, the idea of entering a VW was already brewing at the back of my mind (this is because I have experienced doing 360 donuts with my Herbie in the late 80's just for fun) and since this is my first love. For the second time, I entered the Sentra and won Third only in the same class, this was in Liberty Plaza in Mandaluyong. Considering the downtrend; I decided to stop racing the Sentra and met with my Soul Brother Mahesh Pacis II for the ultimate plan.

The ultimate plan: To race the Beetle (the Purple Legend Bug; a 1969 VOLKSWAGEN Beetle) and pit it with other cars like Starlets and Honda's in the Shell Slalom Challenge! but that's not all; we need to race it as it already is, without any major modifications, with the aircondition on, with all the seats in tact, basically run it as a normal, daily driver Beetle. Of course, as standard precaution, I had the car sponsored by Elf (Formula 1 oil used by Renault), and added a secret formula, This is a non-traditional metal treatment developed by a Filipino. I wasn't afraid of experimenting and I just know that this treatment worked! The experience: every Third Saturday of the Month, I would drive the Bug to the Draga (an open field os flat sand reclamation site in Cavite City, now the site of the new San Sebastian College) and practice my slalom driving - and on the last Saturday/ Sunday; I would bring the bug to the race venue and simply race it. (No towing) I did this for 12 months! With me always was Philip Lazatin (my protege') who was a young teenager then. Equiped with neither crew, hi-tech tools nor even pocket money; we would be going into the races with barely enough budget for food, gasoline and entry fee, just about enough for us to be able to go back home. No tune up, the spark plugs were never replaced, the oil was the same oil until only when we went for Subic for the (First Asian Festival of Speed). OK, we didn't win first place all the time mostly second place, First place always goes to Jane Victa (the Good Looking Lady driving that nice Green VW polo - brand new at that time) -sorry guys - she's taken and lives happily with her kids! (We'll make a page for her soon). DNF only happened once (sadly, during the time when the VWCPI joined in Alabang). At any rate, winning was never really the intention. For the whole duration of the season, the main goal is to survive the whole season without hitting any major problem. It was a battle against ourselves; in all our races, Philip and I were busy documenting everything before, during and after the race. From Tire Pressure, Tire Combination, Magwheel configuration, Jets used, Jet Combination used, Tire Temperature, Driver Temperament, Driver Weight, Driver Disposition (was the driver drunk last night or not? - those sort of things), Fuel Level, Driver Condition - everything!!! We did the same with the Subic experience; we drove the bug all the way to Subic, the spare wheels at the back and a back up car carried some of my tires; thanks to Stephan Perschke (A German Engineer - a former firend). The car wasn't able to bag some prize in Subic, but, to be driving the same car and racing it the next day and be able to come home using the same car! That's PORSCHE Philosophy! Ask Philip Lazatin about it. The gist of the story was; The Purple Bug went through the rigors of this Racing Challenge in a manner never before tried or tested in the history of VW racing and enthusiasm. Of course, the bottom line: The Purple Bug was Champion in the Rotary Imus Sponsored and Shell special Slalom Leg held in Imus. It was a wet Sunday, the VW class was joined by Steve Gutierez with his Blue Beetle running with my VW engine (8,000 rpm monster); Jane with her VW Polo Champion, and Me. This was the first time I installed my Flap Stops for the rear suspension, also my Rear wide wheels and front extended wheels (all 13" which came from my Herbie). The car was already popular then so when I had it inspected with the scrutinizing committee, they said - "Oh, the Purple Bug!, that's OK, it can run, no need to have it scrutinized for safety"; Thank God! my prayers were answered! Going back to the condition: nothing will be changed or touched internally, does that include brakes? OK, to make a long story short, just before the race, I lost the brakes of the beetle. I was only relying on the handbrakes then (Literally speaking, I was racing without BRAKES!). My line of thinking, who needs brakes in a race? ... everyone did, but me. So, the organizer (Bing Bang Dulce) paged me, it was raining heavily, I went in the bug, slumped on the gas pedal, felt the rush of adrenalin all throughout my system. tried pushing the car on a drift mode, the car was drifting perfectly! So I decided to continue and positioned in the starting line. ...A still moment, before the moment of truth. Once the signal was given, I let the monster took over the control! Mama Mhia! the car was performing like never before! The engine loved the cold weather that day! It was running strong! The car was drifting after every turn or pylons! And upon the 360 degree point... I pulled the handbrake just a bit, floored the pedal, turned the steering wheel slightly to the left, and the tail spun wildly! and to my surprise! almost a Euphoric Experience (combined with all the emotions, feelings and excitement) I was making a full, perfect, continuous, and beautiful 360 degree donut with the front left wheel almost pinned at the pylon barely touching it! It was a spectacular moment of Victory! During that moment, I never cared about winning, or getting second or third place anymore! This was what slalom racing was all about! To be able to do the Perfect 360 degree donut while or during the race itself. And to add more to it! Doing it with a Stock Drivetrain Beetle! The crowds roared! I heard people Crying Yes! Yes! Yes! Flashing photos! Clapping, Applauses, And everyone beaming their big smiles on me. I felt, we (Philip, Mahesh and I and the rest of the Club won this day - including Edward Mesa (vwcp) who was always present in all my races) Upon reaching the finish line, even Bingbang and Lito Dulce, and Ed Del Rosario of CART were all cheering for me! They could'nt believe their eyes! For me, it was a confirmation that I was waiting for. I told myself and Philip, this is the day when the Cavite Volkswagen Club can drive with their chins' up, and be proud to say, yes - We are from the Cavite Volkswagen Club Inc. Home of the Purple Bug, Home of legends... That's a bit overdone. I would rather perhaps more appropriately say; This is the start of a beautiful evolution. It was a pitty that this story was never before brought out into the open for public enjoyment. But at any rate, good things will always be timeless and priceless, and normally comes last, but not too late.

Purple Bug is still alive and Kicking, but we intend to preserve it as a sign of respect for its contribution to Cavite VW history and heritage. there are more stories behind this car, we'll probably tell it in another web page, in another time. For now, The trophies of the Purple Bug are with Mahesh Pacis in Las Pinas and with Benjie Villafranca for safe keeping. The real trophy is intangible, it is the heritage and pride written in every CVWCI club member, as well as future members.

CHAPTER 2

Last Sunday; October 9, 2005; SM Bacoor Car Park Annex was the venue of the SHELL Slalom Grand Prix. (one of its' legs) The Club decided to join this race and was enthusiastic and excited all through out. It was a surprise to discover hidden talents among the members as the showed off what they are made off during their runs. It was a battle against yourself as the marshall signals your launch and each race driver gives his all trying to beat the computerized timer as they negotiate chicanes, 180 and 360 turns and try their best not to get confused with the race course. The object of this event was to get everyone interested and pit their beloved VW's against the Japanese brands. This is actually a statement, that VW's can do it and that VW drivers are indeed really good drivers. To drive a VW is one thing, but to race it is a Big thing. Purple Bug was not really intending to join this race, but since it is the pall bearer of the club when it comes to slalom racing, it had to join. It was again, racing with all conceivable handicaps, but inspite of it, it was never expected for purple bug to win any place at all. But, all it needed was one good run in one of the 2 heats. In three practice runs, it made bad performances, including a DNF in the second heat. But it had a good and perfect run on the first heat. This was enough to get First Place with roughly 90.01 seconds. just a few milliseconds ahead of Benjies Super Beetle. [91. something was Von's Red 67's performance. Purple is truly a bug made for this kind of motorsport. I am now convinced that the club should seriously consider pursuing a real racing team. It's about time for the sponsors to come in. Those who are interested to sponsor Purple Bug and it's team; please contact us anytime. (updated October 13, 2005)

Purple Bug's present condition: still under body works in Shop 1 due to a broken frame head. (March 9, 2006)

As of March 28, 2008; Purple Bug was revived and resurrected from a 2 years hybernation. HHO hydrogen on demand system (water hybrid fuel system)was installed on Purple Bug. And it still is running better than before.

From 6km per liter... it now does 12 to 24km per liter.