IT was going to be a topsy-turvy assignment visiting Subaru Advanced Technology Drive in Clark, Pampanga last weekend. Apart from the squealing noise of tires test to the limits of its carcass and Subaru being flipped, slid, and drifted to the extent of their redlines and brakes, the event proved to be mostly done sideways disproving that the fastest way from point to point is a straight line.
The professor for this physics lesson is renowned British precision driver Russ Swift, best known for gracing every edition of the Manila International Motor Show (MIAS) since 2008. Swift traveled to Pampanga to thrill the audiences at the Subaru Advanced Technology Drive organized by Motor Image Pilipinas, the exclusive distributor of Subaru vehicles in the country. The event happened from October 7 to October 9, 2022.
“Seeing Russ Swift here in Pampanga is a different experience. My family and I used to travel 2 hours to Manila just to see him at MIAS. Since 2015, I’ve been watching him and his stunts on Subarus. Today he is just 30 minutes away from my home,” Roger Robles, a San Fernando resident and Subaru Legacy owner said.
A Guinness World Record holder, the 71-year old Swift is not only known for his precision driving skills but also his bringing along select members of the audience on board to experience his physics-defying stunts. Performing for the first time in North Luzon, Swift showcased the capabilities of the new Forester SUV, the new BRZ sports coupe and the all-new WRX sedan, with the Subaru boxer engine at the heart of the action. He showed off his signature Swift Parking stunt, along with J-turns, donuts and a car dance routine, wowed the Kapampangan crowd.
Swift, who has a very strong following among Filipino fans, has performed in various parts of the Philippines, such as Manila, Cebu and Davao, over the past two decades.
“Unbelievable that we did not flip over. I tried not to scream but I could not contain my fear. But after one go at it, I wanted to ride again,” Sarah C., told Malaya Business Insight. She visited the event not to see Russ but to test drive the latest Subaru vehicles in a special track designed to showcase Subaru’s latest technologies. She is currently the owner of a 2012 Forester and is considering upgrading to the latest version.
“I am happy with my Forester, but the new ones are very desirable,” she said.
“I’m so glad I get to see Russ Swift perform his signature stunts again. What a treat as this year, he managed to perform in the Philippines two times, the first of which was at MIAS, and then just recently at Boxer Madness. I must say the stunt area in Pampanga was well suited for Russ as the area is bigger with a longer runoff. This allowed Russ to show what he was truly capable of. What a sight to behold!” Randolph de Leon, an avid Russ Swift fan for over two decades shared.
Motor Image Pilipinas is joined by its sponsors, Shell, Motul, CTEK, Sonax, PIAA, Little Trees, and ConceptOne in bringing to life the heart-thumping and breathtaking stunts which Russ enjoys doing for his fans.
“Nothing brings me greater satisfaction than being with the crowd, seeing the spectators–both kids and adults alike, giving them a ride and seeing the smiles and glee as I do these heart-stopping maneuvers for them,” Swift said in his deep British accent.
