The secret to winning a race

MANILA, Philippines - Traveling at speeds of 200 kilometers an hour, Formula Three racing is an intense competition that requires quick decision-making. That’s why a Formula Three racer like Eduardo Juan Preysler “Dado” Peña never fails to make sure that his mental conditioning is always up to the task.

The 21-year-old racer, who is considered one of the country’s prime bets in the international racing circuit, says that “good mental preparation is important, not only for winning a race, but also for staying safe from accidents.”

And that is where his Nescafé Classic takes a special place in Peña’s pre-race preparations. He says that it serves as his mind’s fuel to keep him going throughout those demanding races.

“Drinking Nescafé Classic is more than just a habit for me. It helps me maintain my focus and concentration during a race,” he says. “After a cup or two, I feel more alert, more ready to take the wheel.”

That sense of alertness is important for a racecar driver like him, because he has to keep track of other factors aside from his driving speed.

“For one, I need to be constantly aware of my surroundings. That includes racetrack conditions, the competition, and inside my own car. Driving at such high speeds alongside other race cars, even a small careless move can easily cascade into a major crash,” he explains.

Pena adds that “good communication with your team is also paramount. Their instructions serve you well in any situation.”

And having kept track of all these elements, the driver should be able to make split-second decisions that can spell the difference between winning and losing.

With all these things running through his mind during a race, Peña says that “having Nescafé Classic has becomes an essential part of my success.”

Thanks to his physical and mental conditioning, Peña has been able to race without suffering any serious injuries throughout his young racing career, while still winning races here and there. Among Peña’s major accomplishments was winning his first Asian Formula Three race held in Zhuhai, China in 2006. Before that, he made a name for himself as a standout go-kart racer when he topped the 2001 Philippine Junior KT Karts race.

As he continues to improve and reach the top of his game, Peña dreams of one day being able to take part in some of the most prestigious races in the world, like the Le Mans in France, Indy 500 in the United States and the Formula One in Monaco.

“And when I get to race there, my Nescafé Classic will definitely be there with me,” he adds.