RSA planning his own motor racing circuit at Bulacan airport

A few years ago, we pulled an April Fool’s prank when we wrote that NAIA would be converted into a racing circuit. Some saw it as the joke that it was, while some were actually fooled.

But this time we’re not kidding: the airport complex under construction in Bulacan will actually have its own racing circuit for motorsport enthusiasts. The news comes directly from RSA himself. Yes, Ramon S. Ang.

The chief of San Miguel Corporation is no stranger to big infrastructure plans. Just like the Skyway 3, the New Manila International Airport currently being built in Bulacan is just one of many other projects under the larger San Miguel Corporation. The NMIA or Bulacan International Airport project started with the groundbreaking in late 2020 with completion slated for 2026.

RSA envisions that he will build a racing circuit there too. That also means it will be the closest racing circuit to Metro Manila as the location of the airport will be just due west of Valenzuela city. The target date of completion for the circuit will be sometime in 2026, or around the same time as the airport.

It is no secret that RSA is very much a car enthusiast with a vast collection of automobiles. BMW is already part of the San Miguel umbrella, and rumor is they will start operations as the new distributor of Ferrari with a new showroom just across the RSA Motors BMW dealership near EDSA Greenhills.

What he did indicate is that it will also have a drag strip for those who enjoy taking on the quarter mile. This will be an important development in getting two-wheel racers off the street and onto the strip, especially in the provinces.

And get this: RSA wants it to be a covered drag strip with a roof that is 60 meters wide and 400 meters long. Yes, a covered quarter-mile drag strip.

RSA also mentioned that the airport complex and race circuit will have a theme park similar to what other facilities have abroad. Circuits like Twin Ring Motegi, Suzuka Circuit, and the Circuit de la Sarthe all have theme parks for the family.

As for the circuit he is planning, there are no details yet apart from the fact that they are bringing in a Japanese consultant for the design (not Tilke). We’re not quite sure what the target FIA Grade will be but we expect it to be high up the order. Being part of the airport complex will be a key to the race track’s success as major international motorsport events depend on convenient logistics.

So that brings up the question: is RSA planning on going for FIA Grade 1 in order to vie for a Formula One race? Only he knows, but what he also said is that former FIA President Jean Todt, retired F1 driver Felipe Massa (who will also be a consultant, we're told) and four-time F1 World Driver’s Champion Sebastian Vettel are all visiting Manila next month.

Your guess is as good as mine.