Cabrera takes Singapore circuit by storm

MANILA, Philippines - Fresh from his podium win two weeks ago as the top Filipino finisher in the Asian Karting Series in Thailand, Seaoil karter Gabriel Tayao Cabrera drew raves with his blazing feat recently at Singapore’s newest track – KF1 Circuit.

Debuting as Energy Corse Asia Racing team’s newest driver, the 15-year-old karter became the first ever Filipino to bag a podium win at the X30 Challenge where he placed a respectable third runner-up.

Though the only senior karter driving for the first time in the X30 Challenge, his determination and strategy impressed the huge crowd and proved skeptics wrong.

“Within two days, I had to muster a new track, adjust to driving a new brand of chassis and use new type of engine. Many doubted I would get a podium win, especially since I was also six kilos overweight. I could have had a shot at getting the top spot but unfortunately I was caught in between several karters at the start of the final race,” said Cabrera.

“Nevertheless, I’m glad I was able to prove skeptics wrong by consistently clocking times close to the pole sitter throughout the race,” he added.

Backed by Gold’s Gym, DC, Media Magic and RS Design, Cabrera was initially regarded as an underdog since he was one of the three youngest drivers in the series’ most formidable grid of senior champions, some of whom are actively racing in Europe.

“It took some time to get Gabe to drive for our brand. Given his long list of karting titles, it is nice to have an experienced hand like him to show how good the Energy chassis is,” said ECA managing director Josh Hunt.