TWIST (The Way I See Things): I could have been in "Fast Five" with these uber cool racing cars

I got to drive a BMW racing car for the first time! Oh, the speed and acceleration is phenomenal! :)

The phrase "need for speed" just took on a whole new meaning for me after I was able to put my hands on BMW and Ford racing cars the other day at the Clark International Speedway in Subic. Suddenly, I understand why many people can't help but put their speedometers to good use.

Sponsored by Bridgestone, the trip to Subic took selected media participants (I covered for the Philippine Daily Inquirer) to test its two newest products--the Potenza S001 and the Potenza Adrenalin RE002. You can read about the two new tire models in a separate blog entry by clicking here.

That's a head sock I'm wearing so I don't sweat into the helmet. Hygine purposes, people :)

Under the very able guidance of JP Tuason of the Tuason Racing School, participants were briefed as to how to work the race track. Aside from giving us safety tips and practical advise on how to properly maneuver the 4.2 kilometer track, we were repeatedly reminded how we should be careful not to bump into each other while we drive the cars if we don't want to go home with a huge bill. Fair enough.

According to Tuason, who has been training drivers for drag racing for 12 years, it normally cost some P16,000 for a one-day session of drag racing training. Whew! Boy, was I glad I didn't have to pay for the experience.

JP Tuason of the Tuason Racing School

Going back to how amazing driving the racing cars was, the movie "Fast and the Furious" comes to mind whenever I see the beautiful, powerful monsters. The BMWs came in blue, red, white, and black. The Ford racing cars were mostly in white, covered with logos of sponsors.

I was nervous at first because I was in the company of more experienced media peeps who have been covering the Motoring section for years. But just sucked it in and drove the best way I can. I think I did well, too.

A BMW Z4, fitted with Bridgestone tires

Fortunately, there was no accidents during the whole day. That would have been troublesome and downright embarrassing. We're lucky that the Tuason Racing School instructors assigned to us were all very nice and accommodating.

I love my Ford Focus and it hasn't given me any problems. But after this addicting experience, where top speed is my call, I can't help but daydream of bringing home a BMW for myself in the near future. Hey, a guy can dream. :)

More photos from the event: