Aquiles Speedway Park hosts second round of Pinturas PPG Championship

On Sunday, April 27, the Aquiles Speedway Park oval hosted the second round of the Pinturas PPG Championship, named the "Deltron NXT Grand Prix". Despite windy and dusty weather conditions, nine races corresponding to the championship's seven categories took place.

The 89 participants faced a challenging track due to environmental conditions, with several retirements and three rollovers that fortunately didn't lead to serious consequences.

Expert Pony: González snatches victory from Pérez in restart

Manuel Pérez Jr. (#13) took the lead from the first laps after intense duels with Antonio Mata (#7) and Jorge Gómez, who completed much of the race with a flat rear tire. Pérez Jr. was comfortably leading until a yellow flag regrouped the pack.

In the restart, Ricardo González (#19) executed a maneuver that allowed him to take first position, an advantage that Pérez Jr. couldn't recover despite his attempts. Meanwhile, Agustín Chavira Jr. (#01) made a remarkable comeback to complete the podium.

Ultimately, González won with a margin of just 0.177 seconds over Pérez Jr., while Chavira finished 1.886 seconds behind the winner.

V8 Novices: Dramatic position changes after multi-car incident

The first part of the race saw Miguel Tarango (#76) in first position, Agustín Chavira (#01) in second, and Andarik Páez (#27) in third forming a tight group that separated from the rest of competitors. Their pace was clearly superior until they attempted to lap Ernesto Amaya (#33).

During this maneuver, Amaya made a move to the inside that caused contact with the second-place car, Chavira, who was subsequently hit by Páez. The result was decisive: both were out of the race, triggering a yellow flag that regrouped the field.

This incident completely changed the race dynamics. Daniel Calzadillas (#12) and Jovan Alvarado Jr. (#99) took advantage to join the battle for victory. After the restart, Alvarado Jr. showed better pace and ultimately prevailed, securing his second consecutive win.

The podium was completed by Calzadillas in second place (7.911 seconds behind) and Tarango, who after leading early had to settle for third (9.115 seconds behind the winner).

Standard V8: Carrasco recovers from accident to claim victory

This category's race was marked by an impressive comeback. Óscar Carrasco (#555) was involved in an accident that brought out a yellow flag and relegated him to the back of the pack. However, after the restart, he showed impressive pace that allowed him to advance positions.

His progress was aided when then-leader Keko Pérez (#8) retired due to mechanical issues. Carrasco seized the opportunity to continue his charge to the front, eventually taking and maintaining the lead until the finish.

Filiberto Guerra (#F21), winner of the first round, finished second (2.251 seconds behind), while Jovan Alvarado (#99) completed the podium (2.723 seconds behind the winner).

Modified: Pérez's mistake costs him victory

Humberto Pérez (#8) dominated the race with authority, setting a pace that seemed unreachable for other competitors. However, his comfortable lead vanished when he lost control of his car and was hit by Aarón Córdoba (#07).

After several restarts due to on-track incidents, Pérez tried to regain the lead, but the remaining laps weren't enough to catch Córdoba. The outcome favored Córdoba, who took the win by just 0.443 seconds over Pérez, while Oswaldo Fierro (#7) finished third (4.204 seconds behind the winner).

Unlimited: Heavy crash reduces race to duel between two drivers

The fastest category of the program had a dramatic start. Just on lap 4, a heavy impact between Jorge Balderrama (#97) and Gustavo Pérez (#G3) brought out a red flag, forcing a complete neutralization of the race. After assessing the damage, both drivers had to retire.

When action resumed, only two competitors remained: Gerardo Balderrama (#72B) and Aarón Córdoba (#7). With the track practically to themselves, the two drivers delivered an interesting duel that ultimately favored Balderrama, who crossed the finish line 5.093 seconds ahead of Córdoba.

Novice Pony: First-lap drama and victory for Becerra

Elio Becerra (#69) took the win, followed by Jaime Carbajal (#113) just 0.758 seconds behind. César Figueroa (#B02), winner of the first round, completed the podium 1.019 seconds behind the winner.

Vintage: García triumphs in interrupted race

The Vintage category became a festival of spins and yellow flags that constantly fragmented the competition. Despite having a reduced grid, the race progressed with numerous interruptions, making it difficult for drivers to maintain rhythm and concentration.

Between neutralizations, Orlando García (#23) managed to maintain the necessary consistency to secure first position, crossing the finish line ahead of his pursuers. Raúl Delgado (#23D) held second (0.519 seconds behind), while Alejandro Carrasco (#M3), winner of the first round, completed the podium (3.489 seconds behind).

Concerning safety failures during competition

The second round of the championship exposed serious deficiencies in safety controls. The rollover of Julio Domínguez (#H8) in Novice Pony on the first lap resulted in his car's battery becoming detached, creating a potentially dangerous situation for the driver, spectators, and track officials.

This incident wasn't isolated, as inspections of several cars revealed problems like incomplete safety structures (roll cages), improperly secured fuel and water tanks that could become projectiles in case of impacts.

Some drivers' behavior also raised concerns. Daniel Meraz (#35) abandoned his vehicle on track during a yellow flag while staff attended to a rollover, to argue with members of the staff. Additionally, Meraz wasn't wearing his complete safety equipment, specifically the regulation footwear, aggravating the risk situation.

These problems suggest that technical inspections aren't being conducted properly or are insufficient, which could have serious consequences in future competitions if corrective measures aren't taken.

It's important to clarify that we point out these situations not to negatively affect anyone in particular, but because we want safety conditions to improve for all involved. We don't want a tragedy to affect regional motorsports, as has happened before in Mexico where, due to negligence or carelessness, everyone has paid the consequences. Safety should always be the top priority in any motorsport event.

Regrettable spectator behavior toward our photographer

During the Standard V8 race, our accredited photographer Carlos Castillo was assaulted while doing his job. A rock thrown from the stands hit him directly in the head while he was taking photos in an authorized area of the circuit. The impact was absorbed by the headset he was wearing, preventing more serious consequences.

Carlos collaborates with this outlet motivated by his interest in promoting the championship, supporting drivers, and contributing to the visibility of regional motorsports. His work is professional and always conducted within permitted areas, with prior experience in various national and international categories.

We're aware that as part of the personnel working inside the track, we're exposed to comments, shouts, or expressions from excited spectators—especially when alcohol is involved. But there's a line that shouldn't be crossed: physical aggression is something we won't tolerate under any circumstances.

After the incident, Carlos tried to seek help from officials, but there was no available staff in that area to address the situation. This incident adds to other conditions that at different rounds have evidenced lack of control in some areas of the circuit.

As a result, Carlos has decided to reduce his participation in this championship. Although he'll continue collaborating, it will be in a more limited capacity, and we won't be able to continue with the comprehensive photo galleries he used to provide.

This outlet will attempt to maintain coverage of the events, though the visual format will necessarily be adjusted.

Next event: Night racing format begins

The third round of the Pinturas PPG Championship is scheduled for June 7, 2025 at Aquiles Speedway Park. Starting with this competition, the season will adopt the nighttime format that will continue through November.

Unofficial Results of the Deltron NXT Grand Prix

Novice Pony

Expert Pony

Vintage

V8 Novices

Standard V8

Modified

Unlimited