AUTS Racing karters top achievers in Golden Wheel Awards

MANILA, Philippines - A lean but mean AUTS Racing capped a successful 2011 Karting season as all of its four drivers made it to the roster of top achievers in the ninth Golden Wheel Awards recently.

Young recruits Brian Thorp and Gabe Tayao along with mainstays John Castelar and lady karter Yvana Carangan each received their respective Golden Wheel karting trophies following their major feats for AUTS Racing powered by Gatorade, Kipling’s, Birel Racing Karts, Yamaha Winforce, Kart Care Lubricants and Freeline Racing Parts.

Thorp and Tayao emerged the SQ cadet novice overall champion and SQ cadet novice first runner-up, respectively, despite joining the Petron super karting series middle of the year.

Both young karters trained under Indy Villalon, a multiple local and international kart champion who continues to help develop the sport by instilling racing discipline and training young talents who have the potentials as future karting champs.

Castelar and Carangan gave a tough fight in the very competitive Formula SL Expert class where they wound up first runner-up and second runner-up, respectively.

Talented Cebuano karters Tonyo and Kali Carcel, who raced with AUTS Racing in one or two legs in last year’s series, are expected to be more active this season to boost the team’s campaign for top honors.

“We’re proud of the team’s achievements last season, considering all four drivers bagged awards for their feats, dedication and determination,” said AUTS team manager Martin Alvendia.