Young Filipino rider earns top Golden Wheel award

Tyson Sy, the youngest ever Filipino international formula driver, has been given the top award in the new 2004 Golden Wheel Motorsports Ceremonies recently by winning first runner-up in the just-concluded Formula BMW Asia Rookie Series.

Being acknowledged by his peers in the gala ceremony of racing greats, Sy upheld the country’s honor after besting six other drivers in the Rookie Championship of the newest formula series to hit the Asian region. FBMW Asia replaced the AF2000 Championship and saw action in Malaysia, Thailand, Korea, Japan and China. Tyson’s spectacular feat was made possible through the efforts of DEMVELS Enterprises and Team Goddard-QHR.

"I’m very happy for this award," said the soft-spoken Tyson upon receiving his award. "We worked very hard and had great battles with a lot of good drivers. Winning this award just makes it all worthwhile. We’ll do our best again this year."

Tyson turned only 16 last October and was placed in tremendous pressure to perform right from the start. He wasn’t able to make it to Albacete, Spain, for the FBMW test drive and only drove his car in Sepang during the F1 weekend. He handled the weekend superbly and was praised for his super human efforts.

Sy finished the series behind the Korean rookie champion Kyong-Ouk You. Racing against all odds, Tyson beat the Korean in his home track in Everland, Korea.

However, two racing incidents, which were beyond his control, gave the Korean a huge lead in points. The first one was in Malaysia when he was bumped from the side by Thailand driver Nattaphong and sent him to the wall. In Thailand, oil spilled on the track from a blown engine and Tyson was the first driver to pass it and immediately spun his car into the barriers and broke his suspension.

The country was able to produce three drivers in the top 7 with Pastor ending in third place behind Tyson and Dado Peña coming in at seventh place.

"We’ll be going for the premier FBMW Asia Championship next year," said team manager and brother Ken Sy. "We are very happy with our performance this year and have proven that Tyson is one of the best young drivers out there. Next year, we will do our best to get the top prize for the country."