Nine-year-old Redpath storms veterans at Boomland

MANILA, Philippines - Patience paid off handsomely for Kart Master Drakar’s Robert “Bobby” Redpath, who ruled the Mini ROK category of the 2014 Petron Blaze 100 ROK Cup Karting Super Series’ third leg at the narrow and fast Boomland Kart Track in Pasay City recently.

Waiting for the right time to strike, Redpath found the opportunity to do so when pacesetter and teammate Flynn Jackes and rival Eduardo Coseteng collided in the mad scramble for control of the race.

Redpath deftly maneuvered his kart to avoid the collision and scooted home for the win, his first ever in the series featuring the country’s top young karters.

“Having a good start, I managed to tail the leaders, who were setting a fast pace. I managed to overtake one competitor and kept in contention. Running third, I was fortunate enough to avoid contact with Jackes and Coseteng, who came together. It was then a race for the chequered flag,” said the nine-year-old, Grade 5 student of La Salle.

When the dust settled, Redpath stood on the podium as a first-ever champion, beating the likes of Bianca Bustamante (runner-up), Raprap Gutierrez (third), Coseteng (fourth) and Jackes.

It turned out practice makes perfect for Redpath.

“I have raced at Boomland twice previously in the Cadet category, but this was the first time I have raced in the Mini ROK category. I practiced twice and managed to improve on my previous lap times. I guess you should always push yourself because your best competition is yourself,” said Redpath, who thanked his team principal Roland Chong, sponsors Vincar, coaches Richard Gregory, Ross Jackes and Stuart Macdonald, together with mechanics Ricky, Greg and Long.

“I also want to thank my dad (Sean) and my teammates Flynn Jackes and William Casequin for their coaching and support as I couldn’t have done this without them,” he said.

With his first win in the bag, now comes the hard part – staying on top.

“I now plan to practice hard and work on my fitness. I am continuing with my basketball practice as it is a great workout and helps me with the strength and conditioning I need,” Redpath said.

   So what’s in store for the newly crowned champ?

“I hope to continue improving my driving skills and gain as much experience as possible. My aim this year is to finish in the Top 3 of the Mini ROK national series. It will be tough as there are some very good drivers in this category,” said Redpath, “It can be hard balancing school time, homework, training and kart practice but I consider myself fortunate to have the opportunity.”