The past year proved to be a challenging yet eventful period for local 4×4 racers, marked by a flurry of competitions spanning various provinces. From exclusive invitationals across regions to a crucial international qualifier held in La Union, the scene was bustling with action.
Among the standout events was the NASFOR Extreme 4×4 Challenge 2023, the pinnacle of off-road racing in the country. This prestigious 12-leg competition, commencing in January and culminating in the December Philippine Tough Truck Challenge, unfolded across diverse provinces. The grand finale, hosted by the provincial government of Camarines Sur in collaboration with the Bicol Off-road Club and the Peyra Bros. 4×4 Racing Team, took place in Pili from December 1st to 3rd.
Since its establishment in 1999, the NASFOR Extreme 4×4 Challenge has reigned as the most coveted contest in the Philippines, crowning the overall champion as the esteemed Golden Wheel Driver of the Year.
This year, the honor belonged to the youngest-ever recipient, 22-year-old Christian “CJ” Doyon from Ormoc City. CJ’s remarkable journey included triumphs in the Zamboanga, Dipolog, Davao, and Digos legs, ultimately securing the first runner-up position in the Philippine Tough Truck Challenge 2023 and clinching the prestigious Driver of the Year title. His consistent excellence across seven podium finishes solidified his standing as this year’s premier 4×4 racer.
Despite his youth, CJ is no newcomer to the 4×4 arena, entering his first competition at the age of 13. His track record boasts multiple accolades, including the 2015–2017 Visayas NASFOR Golden Wheel Driver of the Year Award, the 2018 EcoTrail 4×4 Challenge, the 2019 Sinulog 4×4 Challenge, and the 2019 NASFOR Digos City Challenge.
After focusing on mountain biking during the pandemic, CJ returned to 4×4 racing earlier this year with a new race rig crafted by FCC Trading and 199 OffroadHouse. Demonstrating exceptional prowess, he dominated the 2023 NASFOR Extreme 4×4 Challenge by triumphing in the second, third, and fourth legs. Despite a third-place finish in his hometown, CJ swiftly rebounded to claim victory in the sixth leg in Digos City.
Bolstered by this momentum, CJ is determined to sustain his winning streak as he gears up for the upcoming 2024 NASFOR Extreme 4×4 Challenge season.
“Amidst the highs and lows, I’m immensely grateful to God for clinching the 2023 Driver of the Year Award,” shared CJ. “It’s been a challenging year, but I’m thankful for how things turned out. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to my mom, dad, sister, and my 4×4 comrades—Frederick Corro, Brenn Joaquin, Jez Lim, and Alexis Lumbatan, along with my co-drivers Jojo Solano and Charly Payen. This victory belongs to all of us! Thank you for your unwavering support.”
