Benitez, Reyes bound for karting World Cup

MANILA, Philippines - Fresh from exciting championship finishes, Jet Racing-Industria stalwarts, led by team captain Javier Miguel Lopez Benitez from Xavier High School, and incoming Ateneo freshman, Franco Victor Puey Reyes, will be representing the Philippines in the coming CIK-FIA Karting World Cup/Asia Pacific KF2 Championship this weekend in the famed Suzuka Circuit in Japan.

The two are both former Asian champions in previous years- Benitez in Juniors, and Reyes in Cadet.

They will be competing against the best of Asia and top drivers from Europe in one of only two CIK Cups and Championships held here in the Asia Pacific region. The Commission Internationale de Karting or the CIK, is the world’s governing body for the sport of karting.

The World Cup is traditionally held in the high-speed 1.2 km Suzuka circuit.

The 15-year-old Benitez will be competing in the 125cc KF2 senior class, while the 14-year-old Reyes will be the country’s bet in the 100cc Yamaha junior race.

 “I’m excited to race in Suzuka, we’ve been preparing for it because we know it’s going to be tough against the European and Japanese drivers who are considered the best in the world in karting. Our team is ready,” said Benitez.

 “Since this is my second time in Suzuka, I will try my best to improve on my finish last year. Technically and physically, I’m more prepared this year,” added Reyes, who qualified 32nd last year and finished 11th in the final.

The duo, supported by Bingo Bonanza Corp., Industria Productions, Pacific Online Systems, SM and the AAP will also be spearheading the Philippines’ bid two weeks after Suzuka in the kick-off leg of the 2010 Asian Karting Open Championship on June 11-13, in Carmona, Cavite.