CEBU, Philippines — Decorated Cebuano karter William John Riley Go proved that he deserves to represent the Philippines in the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile-Karting European Championships after he placed second in the FIA Karting Academy Trophy Round 1 over the weekend in Genk, Belgium.
“Receiving the opportunity to represent the Philippines in the FIA Karting Academy was a dream, but finishing on the podium as P2 (second place) for the season’s first race is an even greater one,” Go wrote on his Facebook page.
Go was already set to race in Europe back in 2020 after dominating some major races around Asia but his plans were put on hold because of the outbreak of the global pandemic.
The two-year hiatus, however, did not deter Go from pursuing his dreams.
With the Covid-19 vaccines for the pediatric population already available, Go wasted no time in training abroad. He then joined a few races to shake off some rust in time for the tough battle in Belgium.
Go, who just turned 14 last month, said the FIA Academy was a different one with all karters racing on a fair level playing field.
“Different from other karting races in Europe, the FIA Academy tries to deliver sporting equality among drivers. Chassis and engine are identical for every participant. The engines are swapped regularly per race or heat so it’s quite a thrill not knowing what to expect,” Go said.
The Genk circuit is 1,360 meters long and very demanding in terms of driving. Based on the results from FIA, Go got the top spot during the test session on day 1, then topped the free practice and finished second in the qualifying practice on day 2.
On day 3, Go continued to be in high spirits, placing second in the qualifying heat A-C .
On the fourth and final day, Go posted another second-best finish in his qualifying heat and third in the intermediate qualification.
From 54 starters, only 36 made it to the finals. Go’s consistency paved the way for him to take the pole position in the final action.
The young Frenchman Arthur Dorison outsmarted Go at the start of the final race, but it did not hamper Go’s mood.
Instead, it motivated the lone Philippine bet to pounce on and kept his second-place position until the end with less than a minute gap from Dorison. Luxemburg’s Guillaume Bouzar wound up third.
Aside from the second-best podium finish, Go earned 28 points going into the second round.
The FIA Karting Academy Trophy was created in 2010 for racers 12 and 14 years of age. This is the best opportunity for young talents to get noticed and be able to pursue their career in karting or in motorsport.
“I have so many emotions rushing through me, but one thing is certain, I am truly grateful and happy. All the trials and challenges that occurred over the past races have come to fruition,” said Go.
“I dedicate this win to my home country, the Philippines and the Almighty Father. I want to thank everyone who continuously trust and support me. My family, my team, my management team, my coach, my school, and everyone who guided me along the way. A huge thank you,” Go ended.