Shell super karting draws 60 entries

The quest for the country’s future racing superstars continues as the Shell Super Karting Series unveils its 2004 seasonMarch 13-14 at the Carmona Circuit Philippines.

Over 60 karters — veterans and new alike — have confirmed their participation in the eight-leg series sanctioned by the governing Automobile Association of the Philippines and sponsored by Pilipinas Shell, Bridgestone and Denso Iridium Power.

Up for grabs are the titles in the Open Class, the Formula Rotax Max 125 Seniors, Formula Rotax Max 125 Juniors, Formula Rotax Novice, Formula SL Light, Formula SL Heavy and the Cadet 85 class for kids 8-11 years old.

Highlighting the series is the quest for the Karter of the Year and the Novice Karter of the Year awards.

Likewise this year, karting fans and enthusiasts can also witness the competition at the Kart Track — Enchanted Kingdom in Sta. Rosa Laguna July 24-25 (fourth leg), Batangas Racing Circuit in Rosario, Batangas Aug. 28-29 (fifth leg), the Kart Zone in Cebu City Sept. 11-12 (sixth leg), and at the Boomland, CCP Complex Oct. 9-10 (seventh leg).

The other legs are set April 3-4 (second leg), May 15-16 (third leg) and the championship round Nov. 13-14 in Carmona.

"This year is expected to be even more exciting as we see more young but very talented karters gearing up for tight but colorful showdowns for the title at stake," said Carmona Circuit Philippines project director Lot Tan.

"We are indeed proud of the three young karters who made it big in the international scene — Michelle Bumgarner, Tyson Sy and Matteo Guidicelli. And this year, we’re expecting more of these young Turks to follow their footsteps," she added.

Bumgarner, only 15, made history as the first female Karter of the Year since the revival of the sport in 1992. Not only that, she also bagged the coveted Asian Zone Karting Championship plum in Langkawi, Malaysia last December — making her truly deserving as the pioneer Female Driver of the Year recipient in the first Golden Wheel Awards for Philippine Motorsports.

Sy, one of Bumgarner’s tough rivals in the Open class, made a big impression as the Novice Driver of the Year in the Formula BMW series that culminated in Korea.

Guidicelli, on the other hand, made the country proud as the champion of the Asian Zone Karting Championship second leg staged here last October. His feat saved the country from humiliation against the solid powerhouse Indonesians.

Among those expected to shine this year are M&M Racing’s Mark Bumgarner, Birel’s Marlon Stockinger, Indy Villalon, Marty Aguilar, Primus Racedevil Maico Angeles, Novice champion Rex Alvendia, Christian Barrero, Paolo Rodriguez, Buffy Laurel, and last year’s Cadet 85 winners Brandon Angel and Paco Rodriguez.