Driver of year crowned today in ‘Golden Wheel’

MANILA, Philippines — The brightest star of Philippine motorsports last season takes his place in the elite row of previous winners tonight when he is formally crowned Driver of the Year in the 16th Golden Wheel Awards at the Samsung Hall of SM Aura in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig.

Each one of last season’s champions in 13 racing categories qualifies for the award, but a panel of judges will decide who scored the most inspiring victory and bags the prestigious award, which was won last year by Masato Fernando of Underbone motorcycle racing.

The candidates 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) andJherico Lara (4x4 Offroad Racing).

According to motorsports pundits, 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.

Hall of Fame awardee Antonio “Doboy” Benavides, the former top karter who distinguished himself in the unglamorous nitty-gritty of race administration, shares the spotlight with the season champions and the other top performers last year in the gala event that will start at 3:30 p.m.

“The Golden Wheel Driver of the Year contest is too close to call this time around. Local motor racing wouldn’t have been more exciting last year without the exploits of our 13 candidates who all deserve the award,” Tan said.

The judges panel, composed of veteran race drivers, motorports personalities and officials as well as members of the media will select the night’s biggest winner.

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