The Petron Philippine Overland Expedition (PHL-OX) is back and all set to kick off next month. Organizers guarantee that the 2024 PHL-OX will take extreme 4x4 racing and overlanding to the next level.
The second PHL-OX will be happening from February 19 to 24, 2024 in General Nakar, Quezon, and Dingalan, Aurora. It is said to feature more challenging obstacles along with technical multi-stage segments, which are designed to challenge the participant’s driving and survival skills.
The 2024 PHL-OX will also include an expedition that will give camper participants the chance to drive through the same off-road trail that the competition convoy will take on the way to Dingalan, Aurora.
Interested individuals may join PHL-OX’s Team Competition as a group comprised of three rigs with six competitors. The second season of PHL-OX now allows competitors to include prototype rigs provided that the team has a minimum of one modified production vehicle and a maximum of one prototype vehicle.
Organizers explained that prototype rigs are heavily modified vehicles that are built to compete in extreme off-roading. There are no restrictions in terms of the engine type and body structure for the prototype rigs.
However, organizers clarified that the prototype rigs should adhere to the safety guidelines of the competition. As such, windshields, firewalls, and functioning electrical systems should be equipped with the prototype rigs.
Modified rigs, on the other hand, are production vehicles that have been customized in terms of body size and engine type while retaining the production look of the vehicle.
PHL-OX’s organizers also require participating vehicles to have full recovery and river crossing capacity, which means that winch and snorkels are required. Participating vehicles or competitors must also have the following: chain saw (small), choker chain (2 meters), and Manila rope (9mm minimum diameter and 20 meters). Moreover, all team members are required to have safety goggles.
As the competition involves extreme off-roading, PHL-OX reminds that each team must also be self-reliant, bringing with them provisions such as food, water, power source, as well as critical vehicle spare parts and supplies.
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.
TS 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 of seatbelt while the vehicle is in motion, and not using gloves when winching.
The 2024 PHL-OX has a prize pot of Php 1,000,000 with the champion team taking home Php 500,000. The second and third placers will receive Php 200,000 and Php 100,000 respectively.
Special Awards will also be given to select Competitor Teams and individual competitors for performance-related achievements during the competition.
Interested individuals can visit www.mototesto.com to register.
Get more automotive news at Philkotse.com.