MANILA, Philippines - Eleven-year-old Aira Medrano bested several male competitors in sweeping all three races in the recently concluded Cebu leg of the Magnolia Super Karting Series to eventually win the Championship of the Cadet Babyrok Class.
Driving for her new team PCR-Tough Gear Racing, Medrano edged out teammate Carl Pollington and Cebu bet Florian Grossman in the tough and grueling Cebu Kart Zone race track. She dominated the qualifying, pre-final and final heats on her way to bagging the Cadet overall title.
She started the final race in the lead but got a scare when Grossman overtook her in the high speed first turn right after the rolling start.
However, she patiently slipstreamed behind Grossman and waited for the right opportunity to get back the race lead. It took her two laps to pass him and regain the lead. After taking control of the race, she displayed almost perfect driving to slowly break away from Grossman and Pollington on the way to the finish uncontested. Pollington and Grossman finished second and third, respectively.
Technical support was provided by PCR-Tough Gear Racing. Medrano’s new coach Edgar Dy-Liacco and chief-mechanic Sonny Suba were also instrumental in her impressive wins.