CEBU, Philippines - Speed demon Emmanuel "Jette" Calderon was formally crowned as 'Karter of the Year' during a simple but meaningful awarding rites of the 2013 Kartzone Superkart Series last Sunday night at Harold's Hotel.
For winning the top award for four times already, Calderon, the overall champion in the KT Expert category, was also honored with the perpetual KOY trophy, a Hall of Fame of sort in go-kart racing circuit.
Earl Taborada shared the spotlight with Calderon after he was declared as 'Rookie of the Year'. Despite being a neophyte, Taborada swiftly made an impact by placing second overall in the KT Novice ruled by Vince Rojo.
Formula Cadet champion Seven Aleman stole part of the show for being the youngest overall champion at age six, while Frederick Cortes will be the last winner of the Formula Honda expert as this category will be discontinued in favor of moving to the internationally-recognized Formula Mundial, which runs Briggs and Stratton racing engines.
Others feted for being the top performers in their respective classes were Jarond Messina (Mini ROK), Kim Limgenco (Honda Novice), Frederick Cortes (Honda Expert), Vince Rojo (KT Novice), and Panpan Reroma (KT Masters).
On the other hand, Jong King ruled the open division of the Kartzone Autocross Solo series. He also stamped his class in the Modified Light Expert. The twin titles catapulted him to the 'Driver of the Year' accolade.
Like King, Bobby Pangilinan also came up with a double championship in the Super Street Light and Modified Heavy Novice that made the hands down choice as "Rookie of the Year".
The other winners were Ebb Dicdican (Street Light), Ken Ng (Super Street Heavy), Mark Paray (Modified Light Novice), and Dennis Corro (Modified Heavy Expert). (FREEMAN)