Cabrera claims 3nd overall Mini-ROK runner-up honors

MANILA, Philippines - Gabriel Tayao Cabrera wrapped up the grueling two-race weekend by finishing third overall in the Coca-Cola Mini-ROK Invitational Cup at the Carmona Race Track in Cavite recently.

Cabrera, 12, bucked the odds and took charge in the early going of the final race but lost in a four-way battle in the last 20 meters and settled for third, just 0.407 of a second behind the winner.

Still, it was an impressive finish by the SEAOIL-DC-Kart Plaza karter, whose campaign was backed by Ministop V.I.P. Suites, Drift King Ian King and Wreckless Inc.

“We did our best but the consequences in the two-race weekend really made our title chances much tougher. But it was a great learning experience,” said Cabrera.

He credited the help of his mechanics and crew and coaches Edgen (Dy-Liacco) and Elson Carpio, his mom and grandmother.

Cabrera turned in the best time of 49.821 seconds in the qualifying time trials then quickly pulled ahead with a consistent lap-time of 49.888 seconds to rule the Pre-Final heat.

Meanwhile, Cabrera will see action next in the Red Bull Race Off at Kart Trak Boomland, leveling up by racing with a 125cc SQ kart for the first time. He will be the event’s youngest karter who will compete against older and more experienced SQ rivals in the grid.