Nodalo's Rallye Team boss and driver Paeng Nodalo passes away

It’s a sad day for Philippine motorsports.

Renowned rally driver Rafael “Paeng” Nodalo has passed away. He was 60 years old.

To most, the name Paeng Nodalo may not be too familiar, but his family did own and operate their own chain of muffler and header shops which bore their name: Nodalo's. 

Flip back the calendar by 3 decades and ask your gearhead titos, they will likely know him as one of the best drivers in Philippine rallying (and no, not the one on EDSA). He competed and won in various rally competitions over the years both locally and abroad and drove various models throughout his career – from the Isuzu Gemini in the 1970s to the Toyota AE86 from the 1980s.

Apart from personally competing in rallying, he also led the Nodalo’s Rallye Team which spawned numerous champion drivers as well; some continue to be active in the motorsport scene today.

In 1995, he was awarded the Philippine Rally Driver of the Year.

We here at AutoIndustriya.com extend our deepest condolences to the family of Paeng Nodalo. Godspeed.