Turalba wraps up Asian ROK plum

Ready2Race ace karter Jose Antonio “Juha” Turalba wrapped up the Asian ROK Senior plum with his impressive victory over foreign rivals recently in the championship round of the 2008 Asian Karting Open Championship at the Kartodromo de Coloane Circuit in Macau.

The 15-year-old Turalba, a ninth grade student of International School-Manila, pulled the feat at the expense of equally talented but more experienced rivals from China for his fifth straight triumph that completed a sweep of the series with a total of 182 points.

Turalba dominated the 23-lap race in 19 minutes, 4.451 seconds, 4.029 seconds ahead of Zhu (19:08.480). Two other China karters, Zhang Da Sheng and Zhu Huan, finished third (19:09.430) and fourth (19:21.008).

The award was the highest honor the Philippines achieved in the event this year, making him a candidate for the Golden Wheel International Driver of the Year Award.

“It is a big honor to have represented our country and made it as the 2008 ROK 125 Asian Karting champion,” said Turalba, who’s stint here was supported by Tuason Racing School, Tony Kart, OTK kart parts, HJC Auto Helmets, Sparco Racing, AIM Racing gauges, Oakley Race Gear, Golden Harvest Integrated Services and Shipping, BANPU, Barwil-Smith Bell Shipping, Rio-Tinto, FARM and Ford Batangas.