Gandionco upstages Manila bets in karting

CEBU, Philippines – Cebu talent Patrick Gandionco outclassed his Manila rivals in the third leg of the 2009 Magnolia Karting Super Series recently at the Kart Zone track here.

Hardly recovering from jetlag from his US trip, the 14-year-old Gandionco staged an impressive rally to claim both the ROK overall and ROK Heavy crowns.

The event is sanctioned by the Automobile Association Philippines and sponsored Magnolia, San Miguel Corp., Palmer Asia Inc. – The Fire and Security Expert – Motorstar and Aeromed.

Though he was about six seconds behind pacesetting Roby Benito on the fourth lap, Gandionco wrested the lead on the 11th lap after Benito’s costly lapse and pulled away for the big win.

He claimed victory in 12 minutes, 2.843 seconds or a huge 5.220 seconds over Ready2Race bet Joey Orduna, who likewise staged a big comeback from seventh place for the runner-up finish over teammate Juha Turalba.

All in all, he went home with four trophies including the runner-up finish in the Formula SL Heavy and third place honors in the Formula SL Expert division.

Fellow Cebuano and PCR-Tough Gear guest driver Paco Rodriguez captured both the Formula SL Heavy and the Formula SL Expert title over PCR-Tough Gear bet VJ Suba and Gandionco.

PCR-Tough Gear Racing showed its toughness over the challenging track which proved too much of a challenge for the Manila teams, pulling through with six wins, two runners-up and a third place.

Rookie Estefano Rivera delivered the third title for PCR-Tough Gear Racing with his consistent performance to win the Formula SL Novice class over more experienced Cebuanos Tonyo Carcel and Jette Calderon.

Another rookie PCR-Tough Gear Racing karter Archim Lagman prevailed over Gab Dacasin and PCR-Tough Gear Racing teammate Lawrence de Leon in the MBA division.

Vrei-AR Suba handed the fifth trophy, winning the ROK Novice class over Ready2Race rivals Brian del Val and Jennifer Tumambing.

PCR-Tough Gear Racing young recruits Aira Medrano and Carl Pollington made it a 1-2 finish in the Baby ROK division.

Joining the winner’s circle was Marino Sato who ruled the Mini-ROK class over Cebuana Kali Carcel and Daniel Miranda.

For full results and other details, interested parties may contact Carmona Circuit Philippines c/o Rose Feria at 817-2241.