Although the team wasn’t able to maximize its full potential, Access Plus Racing is still at the top of the Philippine Superbike Championship (PSBK) standings after the second round of the year. The combined efforts of Timothy Joseph “TJ” Alberto and Lawrence Macalinao would earn the squad 3 podium finishes and a class victory from a productive weekend at the Batangas Racing Circuit (BRC).

Alberto and Macalinao returned to the 3.500 km track with high hopes after delivering stellar results at the season opener last month. Early tests showed that the team was able to further develop their Ducati Panigale V4 R and V4 S thanks to tweaks and several setup changes. This was made evident during Qualifying on Saturday where both riders set the fastest times once again in their respective categories.

Starting from pole, TJ was poised for an easy win on Sunday morning. He pulled away from the pack as soon as the lights turned green and began to open up a gap. But he would make an uncanny mistake and lost the front of his bike heading into turn 1. Luckily his #77 Ducati only suffered minor damage and was able to rejoin without losing too much time and salvage 3rd place in Race 1.

Determined to make up for lost ground in the morning, TJ fought back hard in Race 2. Starting from P3 on the grid, he got the holeshot at the start and came out of the first corner in the lead. The reigning champion then held position for the majority of the race, that was until a technical problem slowed him down. There was very little he can do to defend and was easily passed by his rivals to cross the finish in a heartbreaking 3rd.

With their string of podium finishes, both Access Plus Racing riders are able to hold onto to the points lead of their respective classes. TJ Alberto is now tied for 1st in the Pro Category.

After back-to-back events at BRC, the 2023 Philippine Superbike Championship (PSBK) now heads to the Clark International Speedway (CIS) for Round 3 on the 8th and 9th of July.

TJ Alberto, #77:

“It wasn’t the weekend I expected it to be, but still good to come away with points. Both races could have easily been two DNFs but in the end we were able to make it to the finish in 3rd. Looking at the positives, our pace showed a lot of promise as we topped the time sheets in Practice and Qualifying. But luck wasn’t on our side today.”