Feliciano, Villenuve pull off upsets in kart series

MANILA, Philippines - Sacha Feliciano of FERN-C Racing and Christian Villenuve of Maranello-San Miguel Corporation-Marcelo Racing unveiled stunning victories as they turned back favored rivals recently in the fifth leg of the 2010 Magnolia Purewater Karting Super Series at the Enchanted Kingdom Kart Trak.

It was the first season win for both young newcomers as their feats drew loud cheers from the huge crowd of this event sanctioned by the Automobile Association Philippines and sponsored by Magnolia Purewater, San Miguel Corporation, Petron Corporation, Yokohama Tires, Motorstar and Aeromed.

Feliciano, a Woodrose student who’s also a two-time equestrian gymkana champion and an MVP of Alaska soccer, proved she’s the next female karting star as she showed guts and intensity throughout to capture the Formula SL Novice crown.

While top guns Christian Gaddi of Jet Racing and Basti Escalante of Ready2Race had a bad day, Sacha was at her best. After topping the pre-finals, she quickly grabbed the pole and proved herself even more showing defensive skills quite extraordinary for a neophyte.

Several times, her FERN-C Racing teammate Matthew Chan and Adrian Tambuyat tried to sneak in on her in the early goings but she unveiled quick maneuvers to close all doors and preserve her post.

It was only after a mix-up midway the 28-lap race that Sacha got a breather as she gained distance from the pack before wrapping up the race in 16 minutes, 7.031 seconds or 5.007 seconds ahead of Tambuyat.

Jaz Monzones of GP1 Racing-Natmo Asia checked in third while CJ Tsui of Ready2Race and Chan ended fourth and fifth, respectively.

Villenuve, of French descent, was aggressive though cautious in winning the ROK Novice title.

Keeping a fast pace while waiting for the right time proved its rewards for Christian as top gun Jette Calderon of Cebu figured in a collision while FERN-C Racing’s Estefano Rivera, who was leading during the first 11 laps, suddenly found himself with a ceased engine.

He clocked 15 minutes, 2.177 seconds or nine seconds ahead of Pampanga pride Archim Lagman. Rivera stil went home with the third place trophy while Calderon wound up fourth.

Escalante later vented his ire in the Mini-ROK division, leading from coast-to-coast to prevail over runner-up Aira Medrano of Fern-C Racing and Ready2Race teammate Marc Meynet.

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