2018 motorsports achievers honored in Golden Wheel

MANILA, Philippines — The biggest stars and achievers in motorsports of the previous season take centerstage on March 9 when the 16th Golden Wheel Awards pays tribute to their feats in a gala celebration at the Samsung Hall of SM Aura in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig.

From among the champions in 13 various racing categories will emerge the 2018 Golden Wheel Driver of the Year, the prestigious award won last year by Masato Fernando of Underbone motorcycle racing.

The automatic nominees are Gian Carlo Mauricio (Scooters), John Emerson Inguito (Underbone), Marvin Mangulabnan (Superbikes), Edwin Rodriguez (Grand Touring), Carlos Castaneda (Classic Car Mini), Fil Gulfin (Classic Car Aspirated) Jannery Millet (Drag Racing), Milo Rivera (Slalom), John Dizon (Karting) Bianca Bustamante (Asian Karting, juniors), Kaito Tsukada (Asian Karting, seniors), Mon Dimapilis (Rallycross) and Jherico Lara (4x4 Offroad Racing).

A panel of judges composed of veteran motorsports drivers, personalities and officials as well as members of the media will select the foremost awardee in a balloting and announce the driver’s name only during the awards night.

This early, motorsports pundits say at least four of the nominees – Millet, Bustamante, Mangulabnan and Inguito – have the inside track to the Driver of the Year plum, which will be awarded by businessman Johnny Tan, the former karter who chairs the Golden Wheel Awards Foundation.

Tan will be assisted on stage by veteran karter and race organizer Antonio “Doboy” Benavides, this year’s special guest and Hall of Fame inductee.

“Local motor racing wouldn’t have been more robust and exciting last year without the exploits of our 13 candidates. Each one of them deserves the top award,” said Tan, who has spent a fortune keeping motorsports alive in the country.

Each of the 13 champions will receive the event’s signature trophy.