Petron’s Philippine Overland Expedition greenlight for February 2024

Petron’s Philippine Overland Expedition (PHL-OX) 2024 goes full steam ahead for its second year. The upcoming off-road racing event is scheduled for February 18 to February 25, 2024, and it will now feature a technical multi-stage segment, as well as a new competition category. 

Here are some scenes from the 2022 PHL-OX 

To be held in the wilds of Quezon province, the off-road competition is set to challenge off-roaders from all around the Philippines. It will test their mettle in driving, their vehicle builds, and even their camaraderie and survival skills. 

As mentioned, there is a new category that can be joined in PHL-OX. This is the Open Class Category which will feature individual rig entries with a single driver and a co-driver. The other class is the Team Competition. For this class, participants will enter as a group with three off-road rigs driven by six competitors. 

Of note, the vehicle specs for the Open Class are yet to be announced by the PHL-OX organizers, but it is said to conform with international 4x4 competitions. 

For the team class meanwhile, their 4x4 vehicle’s body and chassis must be 80 percent stock. They are likewise required to be capable of river crossing - this means winches and snorkels are a must. On top of that, team competitors must be self-sufficient. This means they are in charge of their own provisions, repairs, spare parts, and supplies, among others. 

Team Ironman were the champions of the 2022 PHL-OX

The 2024 edition of PHL-OX will officially flag off from General Nakar Municipal Hall, General Nakar, Quezon. After which, racers will pass through multiple timed stages as they make their way to the final race segment in Umiray, Quezon. All of these stages will use natural tracks designed to test all of the competitor’s off-road skills. 

Corresponding points will be awarded depending on how fast the competitors pass through these stages. Those who can manage the fastest time to complete all stages will receive maximum points. Point penalties will be handed to those seen having lapses in safety such as failure to use seatbelts while riding (or driving) a vehicle that is in motion, or not using gloves when operating a winch. 

The PHL-OX 2024 has a cash prize pot of Php 1,000,000. The champion team will take home Php 500,000. Meanwhile, the second placer will receive Php 200,000. The third placer, in turn, will be awarded Php 100,000. The winner of the Open Class Category will then receive Php 200,000. 

This off-road race will definitely challenge both man and machine

Besides the break-neck off-road race, the PHL-OX event will also be open to adventure enthusiasts and campers via its overland jamboree. This, in turn, will be held from February 21 to February 24, 2024, and it presents an opportunity for those interested to immerse in the natural splendor of Quezon Province. 

Of note, Petron Philippines is the main organizer of the PHL-OX off-road competition. It is also made possible with the support of Motolite. Other co-organizers of this exciting event include Mototesto Overland Equipment Philippines and All Traction Performance. 

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