Motorsports champs feted in Golden Wheel Awards

MANILA, Philippines - Philippine Motorsports fetes the top achievers of the motoring scene in the 2009 Golden Wheel Awards set Feb. 23 at the Pagcor Grand Theater at Pagcor Parañaque.

Now on its sixth year, the Golden Wheel Awards, chaired by motorsports godfather Johnny Tan, has earned its distinction as the grandest motorsports award-giving body that has inspired drivers to achieve sports excellence, particularly in the international scene.

The Golden Wheel Awards, sponsored by San Miguel Corp., Pilipinas Shell, Yokohama, Denso Iridium Power, Petron, Pagcor and Casino Filipino Sports, will pay tribute to top achievers in motocross, superbikes, rallye, rallycross, drag racing, slalom, off-road racing, grand touring car and karting.

From among the champions of these various motorsports disciplines, the organizing Golden Wheel Foundation Inc. will pick the recipients of the coveted Golden Wheel International Driver and National Driver of the Year awards.

“We’re happy that the Golden Wheel Awards has been the most awaited event for the Philippine motorsports community. And we’re happier that it has served as an inspiration for Filipinos to bring glory for the RP flag in the international scene,” said Tan.

Among the champions initially nominated for the Golden Wheel Driver of the Year Award are Jean Stefano Marcelo (karting), Maico Buncio (superbikes), Jaime Burcial (underbone), Felix Perez (grand touring car) and Jonathan Tiu (drag racing), Juha Turalba (Asian karting), Carlo Garcia (rallye), Ivan Isada (rallycross) and Kenneth San Andres (motocross).

Just like in the past years, the 2009 Golden Wheel Award could take a surprising twist as this year’s selection is expected to be a lot tougher for the board of judges.

Last year, Marcelo and Buncio bagged the Golden Wheel International Driver and National Driver of the Year plums, respectively.

For details on the Golden Wheel Awards, interested parties may call up the Golden Wheel Foundation c/o Rose Feria or Meann Daliva at 817-2241.