Barretto shines in Europe sans government funding

Maybe it’s about time for the government to give back something in return to Angelo Barretto who has brought so much pride and honor to the Philippines this year in the brave and daring world of car racing.

For people who may not know him, the 31-year-old Barretto emerged this year’s top rookie in the demanding European Endurance Touring Circuit where he won thrice and landed on the winner’s podium seven times, most of them on the same track the Schumachers compete in.

Barretto, a political science graduate of La Salle who also operates a fish farm in Subic, booked his recent accomplishments without any help coming from the government. This year alone, he spent $200,000 outside of the $120,000 BMW he drives on the race track.

"Some people say it’s stupid for me to spend so much and get nothing in return. But I have to do it. And I’m happy with what I’ve achieved on my first year," said Barretto during yesterday’s PSA Forum at the Holiday Inn Hotel.

Barretto, who was joined in the forum by young karting champions Manuel Mayo and Marzo Samson, is the first Asian driver to win the top rookie honors in the European circuit where he got the chance to beat the world’s best touring car drivers.

"But I’m the only driver in the European circuit who is not supported by his government. And because my BMW is painted like a Philippine flag, the rest of the drivers there know me as the Filipino driver and not Angelo Barretto," he said.

Barretto’s parents (his father is a banker and his mother a real estate agent) have helped him no end in whatever financial difficulties facing him in the circuit, with help also coming from Arce Dairy, a local firm trying to boost its export business.

Barretto, who drives as fast as 270 kph on his 300 HP red-white-and-blue machine, had sought the help of the Philippine Sports Commission and the Philippine Tourism Authority but his appeal apparently fell on deaf ears.

"The PSC said they can’t help me (since motorsports is not under the PSC) and it’s very disappointing. We spend so much money on the Olympics. But we seem to fail. I’m not taking anything away from our Olympians because they’re the best in our country.

"But these athletes get cash incentives of say P500,000 or sometimes a little less for winning a bronze. So, what’s so different with me? With the PTA, which could at least help me with my billeting problems abroad, I haven’t heard anything from them," said Barretto.

"And I even have to bring my own Philippine flag to be hoisted during the awarding ceremonies each time I win. When I compete in Europe, I’m practically on my own ... me, my car, and the Philippine flag," he added.

But all these problems – or shortcomings from the government – will not stop Barretto from racing the way Dodjie Laurel, Baby Luna and Jovy Marcelo did before losing their lives on the fast lanes of Macau, Ortigas Ave. and Indianapolis.

"I won’t allow myself to get scared, hurt or even killed while racing because it will take away my drive to be the best. My motivation has always been a hundred percent and my inspiration has always been the Filipino people. But I think I’ll be happier when I have stop spending my own money," he said.