The 4S1M-Yamaha Racing Team powered by BRT and Racing Force kicked off its 2017 racing season at the Batangas Racing Circuit last April 29-30, 2017—all with the full backing of its sponsors: MDS, Panda, Racing Boy, FDR, MP, and Replica PRO. With many other teams and popular drivers fielding their own set of races across a series of different races and events, how does any one team stand out? For the 4S1M-Yamaha Racing Team, it all boils down to three things: people, parts, and passion. These three form the very heart and soul of the team, and each one contributes to the complete the character of the whole.
People: A Team United
For many racing teams, it’s the racers that stand out the most. That’s certainly the case with 4S1M where the trio of Herbert Lopez, Mark Djereck Ondillo, and Jeff Teopengco frontline the team. Lopez began his racing career at 15 years of age, and it was easy going from there as his entire family was into motorsports. Ondillo found a little more in the way of a challenge as his mother did not initially approve of his chosen sport. Teopengco started the latest in 2006 and was weighed down by the lack of sponsors. But what unites all three is the love for the sport they all had which pushed them onwards towards where they stand today.
With 4S1M, however, it’s not just about the racers. The entire crew that supports them plays a critical and respected role in the team as a whole. While things are visibly hectic on race day itself, Chief Mechanic San Victores explained: “Improvements don’t happen just (on race day). Every single day, we test; and we test to ensure that the setup is perfect.” Team Manager Ronald Uy added that their preparations began months ahead of the event. That fact only highlights the unity that is critical to making 4S1M-Yamaha Racing Team function effectively.
Parts: A Cut Above
While the Pirelli race-sponsored competition-grade racing tires provided a much needed boost to control and grip to the team’s motorcycles, 4S1M also brings a spate of quality parts—many of which form the core of their product line. Front and center for this race was 4S1M’s own brand of motorcycle racing engines, a 160 CC model fitted primarily in Ondillo and Teopengco’s races. These were supplemented by imported the NSS suspension system as well as their custom racing mufflers.
All of 4S1M’s parts form part of the team’s focus on evolving technologies that they keep up with as they develop. Chief Mechanic San Victores, in fact, stressed the team’s “need to keep pace with racing technologies as they come into the market.” Perhaps the biggest sign of the team’s adapting of new technology is their shift from last year’s naturally aspirated carburetor engines to the more modern, more efficient fuel-injected versions.
Passion: A Life Lived
While it’s clear that much of 4S1M lies in its racers, its people, and its parts, the glue the binds them all together is a very deep passion for motorsports. They started with the Eneos Philippine Motorsports Championships in 2013 and in the four years since, they’ve constantly stepped up their performance and standing. Yet, through the challenges they face, from the business of preparation to even the local hot climate, they keep at it.
“Each one has a part to play, and each one plays their part well,” said Team Manager Ronald Uy when asked for his overall impression of his team. It’s still a long ways from the end of the 2017 racing season, but with its participation in this first leg, the 4S1M-Yamaha Racing Team looks ready to tackle the many more legs it has to face to achieve victory. From the attitudes that are on-display in these first two race days, it’s looking to be an exciting season ahead.
For more information on 4S1M and 4S1M Yamaha Racing Team powered by BRT and Racing Force, interested parties may visit its showroom located at Racing Force, 2 nd Avenue along Rizal Avenue, Caloocan City; visit their website or like its Facebook page.
