MANILA, Philippines - Barely a month after his victory in the Macau Asian Karting Championship, Franco Victor Puey Reyes grabbed another win in the Junior KF3 class in Round Six of the Pagcor KF Series Championship with a come-from-behind victory in the 15-lap final race.
Starting fifth after crashing into pole sitter Robbie Benito of Tonykart-R2R team in the pre-final, the 13-year-old Atenean from Antipolo methodically climbed his way to the top, overtaking three other drivers and finally Benito with about two laps to go to secure another victory for the resurgent Jet Racing Team Industria.
Jennifer Tumambing, also of Tonykart-R2R, nipped Benito to the finish line to secure second place.
“The key was the chassis setup. My crew concentrated on the chassis to get the best fit for my driving style and the track condition,” said Reyes.
Earlier in the day, Reyes posted a first runner-up finish to Benito in Race Five. Combined with his win in the final race, he slashed the lead of Benito for the overall championship to just two points, leading to a blockbuster finale next month.
The last round will be held at the Carmona Circuit July 17-19, coinciding with the Asian Karting Open Championship, of which Reyes is overall leader in the Junior 125 Open class.
“It’s going to be tough, as I will be contending, not only with Robbie, but also against the rest of the Asian drivers from Japan, Indonesia, and Malaysia, who are very strong and experienced.
“We may have to put our local rivalry aside and help the Philippines secure a victory in this championship,” Reyes added. “I hope, more of our countrymen will watch the races to support the Philippine Team.”
The event is sponsored by the Philippine Gaming and Amusement Corp. and Magnolia Health Tea.