Philippine Racing Icons Shine at the 2026 Racing Industry Awards
PASAY CITY, Philippines — There’s a specific kind of energy you only feel when the racers of the local scene swap their racing leather suit for black suits and silky gowns. Standing here on the second floor of the World Trade Center, amidst the roar of the 20th InsideRACING Bike Festival, I’m reminded why we do this. As I look around at the familiar faces: the same ones I’ve covered from the muddy paddocks of the south to the high-speed curves of Tarlac, there’s a shared sense of pride. For News Moto, this isn't just another assignment; it’s a gathering of friends, heroes, and the visionaries who have kept the wheels of Philippine motorsport turning.
A Unified Front for 2026
The 2026 Philippine Racing Industry Awards, headed by InsideRACING’s Al Camba, served as the definitive curtain-raiser for the competitive season. The ceremony honored the standout performers of 2025 across all disciplines: on-road, off-road, and four-wheels, bringing together champions from Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.
The event saw a powerhouse assembly of guests and sanctioning bodies, including representatives from FIM Asia, USRA, Honda, Petron, Eneos and Motul. Key industry figures in attendance included Macky Carapiet, President of NAMSSA and FIM Asia, Jong Uy of RUGP and Racing Line, and Duds Lumague of the USRA.
The "Strong Force" of Southeast Asia
In a resonant keynote address, Mr. Al Camba highlighted the rapid evolution of the Filipino racer on the world stage. He noted that the Philippines has transitioned from being a mere participant to a "strong force" in Southeast Asian racing, now standing shoulder-to-shoulder with perennial powerhouses like Thailand, Malaysia, and Indonesia.
"We have produced many international racers now in ACRR and ARRC," Camba stated. "We have excelled in the landscape of road racing from the familiarity of our heroes in MotoGP and Superbikes, and now we are venturing into endurance racing inspired by Le Mans, Bol d'Or, and the Suzuka 8 Hours."
Camba extended his gratitude to FIM Asia, NAMSSA, USRA, and RUGP, crediting their collaboration, alongside consistent support from sponsors, as the "solid force" behind the country's racing success.
Celebrating the 2025 Champions and Series Highlights
The highlight of the evening was the formal awarding of the 2025 champions across InsideRACING’s various categories, including the Motul MotoIR National Championships, IRGP, and the Regional Underbone Grand Prix (RUGP). A major focus was also placed on the Motul MotoIR Youth Cup, highlighting the industry's commitment to nurturing the next generation of riders.
Beyond the individual trophies, the night celebrated the successful execution of key manufacturer-backed initiatives. This included the Honda Dream Cup, which utilized the CBR150R in a series that ran alongside the MotoIR races, providing a vital ladder for aspiring talent. Additionally, the awards recognized the milestone return of Yamaha GP racing, a move that significantly bolstered the competitive landscape of the previous season.
The awards recognized not only the riders' technical prowess but also the dedication of the teams and sponsors who fueled their campaigns. The transition from the grit of the racetrack to the elegance of the gala underscored the professionalization of the sport—a fitting tribute to a year that saw the Philippines break new ground in international motorsport.
