Pinoy motorsports achievers feted in 'Golden Wheel' rites

MANILA, Philippines - Philippine motorsports takes center stage on March 3 as the Golden Wheel Awards Night honors the top achievers of local racing at the Tanghalang Aurelio Tolentino of the Cultural Center of the Philippines.

Up for grabs are the coveted Golden Wheel Driver of the Year and International Driver of the Year awards, the recipients of which will be chosen from among the champions of the various racing sports disciplines.

All the champions of the various racing events are automatic recipients of the Golden Wheel trophy. But the one who made the biggest impact in local or international competitions will be conferred with the highest Golden Wheel honors.

The initial set of champion nominees are Jean Stefano Marcelo (karting), Audel Sison (drifting), Noel Rivera (Slalom), Vincent Floirendo (grand touring), Reynan Jayme (4x4 Offroad), Martin Manalo (drag racing), Glenn Aguilar (motocross), Anthony Roman (underbone racing) and Dashi Watanabe (scooters).

 The Golden Wheel Awards was conceptualized with the vision of seeing a Filipino champion in the world motorsports scene. Since its inception in 2003, the Golden Wheel Awards has grown not only as a prestigious awards body for motorsports in the country but also as the much-awaited and most glittery annual gathering of solid brotherhood among racing heroes and supporters. 

 This year, the Golden Wheel Awards Night bears the theme “Transforming Differences Into Renewed Solidarity” stressing the need to work on a certain direction to achieve the success of a common goal than personal gains.

 The theme aptly described the scenario of the Asian racing sports last year. Despite the disasters and the continuing effects of the Asian financial crisis, the Asian motorsports community has remained solid through mutual support and cooperation in pushing developmental programs.

 “The Asian racing community managed to survive the challenges by working on a compromise that will benefit the whole region than individual gains. We may not have achieve big strides but we were able to take steps forward than stay stagnant,” said Golden Wheels Foundation chairman Johnny Tan.

 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.