Best in motorsports feted in Golden Wheel Awards

MANILA, Philippines –  Philippine Motorsports marks another night of glitter and celebration as the Golden Wheel Foundation stages its eighth Annual Golden Wheel Awards Night on Feb. 26 at Pagcor Theater in Parañaque.

It’s the biggest gathering of motorsports heroes who will be feted for their significant achievements in their respective fields. The champions of the 12 motorsports disciplines are all nominated for the prestigious Golden Wheel International Driver and Golden Wheel National Driver of the Year plums in this event sponsored by San Miguel Corporation, Magnolia Purewater, Petron, Yokohama and Pagcor Sports.

And just like before, a surprise twist will highlight the grandest motorsports award giving body chaired by motorsports godfather Johnny Tan.

The nominees are Ivan Santiago (scooters), Jaime Barcial (underbone), Maico Buncio (superbike), Glenn Aguilar (motocross), Jean Stefano Marcelo (karting), Alex Perez (drifting), William Tan (grand touring), and Jonathan Tiu (drag racing).

Two Indonesians are also coming to receive their Golden Wheel awards – Asian Karter of the Year Sean Gelael and Asian Junior Karter of the Year Yasuo Senna Iriawan.

The event carries the theme “Conquering Speedlanes in Fraternal Unity: One Vision, One Direction”, emphasizing the collaborated effort towards the thrust of developing a Filipino world champion driver.

“Philippine motorsports has gone to a more competitive level, with more young talents and exciting events that made the 2010 racing season more successful and colorful. We ‘re on the right track in our goal of inspiring our drivers to achieve sports excellence and conquer wider horizons, particularly in the international scene. We’re hoping that this Awards Night will serve as an inspiration for ace Filipino deliver glory for the RP Flag in the international scene,” said Tan.

The Golden Wheel Awards is a brainchild of Tan who envisions a Filipino champion in the world motorsports scene. Since its inception in 2003, the Golden Wheel Awards has become a prestigious awards body for motorsports in the country, an annual gathering of racing heroes and supporters.  

Last year, champion drag racer Jonathan Tiu bagged his second straight Golden Wheel Driver of the Year award.

Michele Bumgarner and Pepon Marave emerged as the first recipients of the coveted Golden Wheel Driver of the Year awards for their momentuous feats as Asian karting and Asian Formula 3 champions in 2003. Bumgarner made it back-to-back in 2004 and was followed by Jolet Jao (2005), Jody Coseteng (2006) and Maico Buncio (2007).

Only four champs yet were feted with the International Driver of the Year honors - Glenn Aguilar in 2005 for Asian motocross, Tyson Sy in 2006 for Asian Formula 3 and Stefano Marcelo (2007) and Juha Turalba (2008) both for Asian karting.

For details on the Golden Wheel Awards, interested parties may call the Golden Wheel Foundation c/o Rose Feria or Meann Daliva at 817-2241.