Yu to Hall of Fame in Golden Wheel rites

MANILA, Philippines - Another racing legend, Yu Beng Tek, will be installed into the Hall of Fame as the Golden Wheel Foundation stages its eighth Annual Golden Wheel Awards Night on Feb.26 at Pagcor Theater in Parañaque.

His rise to fame from the grassroots in the 70’s provided added color and renewed excitement in the Philippine motorsports scene, making Yu the worthy choice as the fourth recipient of the award in this event sponsored by San Miguel Corporation, Magnolia Purewater, Petron, Yokohama and Pagcor Sports.

The previous racing legends elevated to the Hall of Fame were the late Pocholo Ramirez in 2003, Dante Silverio in 2008 and Robert Aventajado last year.

His racing dreams started with the Yutivo Automotive Division in Paco, Manila where his interest for things propelled by engines – from four wheels, motorcycles and even airplanes – began. His brother James, then a top gun drag racer, inspired him to get into racing.

Through his persistence, James eventually let him race using his modified 350 cubic inch/350 horsepower ‘64 Chevelle Malibu Coupe, and his Chevy Camaro fitted with an RPO L72 427 cubic inch engine. The racing itch got him hooked, and soon created a stir as an accomplished free-lancer, expertly preparing race cars against the well funded “factory teams” of Toyota and Ford.

Natural talent, determination, sheer enthusiasm and love for the sport steered his rise to fame, providing a third party in the epic rivalry between Pocholo Ramirez and Ford great driver Arthur Tuason in circuit racing.

Yu eventually dominated the circuit racing scene then by winning the Arles Feliciano and Baby Luna races in the Manila Grand Prix. In 1975, he bagged top honors as the series winner of the AARAP Autocross Championship held at the Greater Manila Terminal Food Market, winning 12 out of 13 races in the Open Class category – an exemplary achievement that earned him the 1975 Driver of the Year. Yu since then has competed in countless more races, including the Greenhills Grand Prix and many other events from AARAP.

A true sportsman with profound wisdom, Yu was also known for a racing concept that has become the principle of most racers today. He said winning a race is not as important as putting your best effort into preparing for it but actually doing your best to win it. And that he’d rather settle for second place in a fiercely contested race, than win hands down without any real competition.

But the big highlight of the night is the winner of the much-coveted Golden Wheel Driver of the Year award which will be chosen from among the champions of nine motorsports fields.

They are Ivan Santiago (scooters), Jaime Barcial (underbone), Maico Buncio (superbike), Glenn Aguilar (motocross), Jean Stefano Marcelo (karting), Abraham Salagan Collado (4x4 off-road) 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.

Details: Golden Wheel Foundation c/o Rose Feria or Meann Daliva at 817-2241.