Gaby dela Merced back to Race

If there's one thing that can make Gaby dela Merced glow with happiness, it is being back to the racing world where she's most comfortable at and where she surely knows what to do even with eyes closed. But after four months without practice, Chief Engineer-slash-Engine Turner Dominique Cuesta advised her to at least do a once-over for her to familiarize herself with the new track lay out.

Her position for the race was then determined through the qualifying time where she came fourth, a good feat considering her lack of practice, said Mr. Cuesta. As soon as the adrenaline-pumping chase began, the Racing Godess talent became evident as she easily drove her laps. She was definitely in control until she encountered an engine trouble as well as a battery problem!

Fortunately, the crew pulled out all stops just to make things possible for Gaby. Defeat was out of the question since she was aware of her great chance of winning. If the car refused to work, it would be totally frustrating, she relayed to Big Brother. And true to her word, she won first place despite being pitted against 2005 Philippine Touring Car Class Champ Dennis Uy and 2004 Driver of the Year Luis Ramirez. As the latter noted, gender is not an issue in this male-dominated arena.

Soon, Gaby returned to Big Brother's abode, tight-lipped about her spectacular experience in Subic International Raceway.