Benitez proves worth in big finish

CARMONA, Cavite, Philippines - JeT Racing Team’s Javi Benitez proved that he is still one of the country’s best young karters on the horizon after finishing runner-up twice in the recent Asian Karting Open Championship and the Magnolia KF2 International Series at the Carmona Racing Circuit here.

Proving that he hasn’t lost his touch despite the lack of practice sessions and a new kart which he hasn’t familiarized himself with, the 14-year-old, second-year high school pride of Xavier School finished a fighting second both in the pre-final and final races of the Formula 125 Open Senior and KF2 divisions.

Benitez, backed by Bingo Bonanza Corp., Henry Sy Jr. of SM Group of Companies, Willy Ocier of Pacific Online Systems Corp., Industria and Belle Corp., checked in just 1.603 seconds behind Stefano Marcelo (39.71 seconds) and came way ahead of third placer Senna Sulaiman Noor of Indonesia.

“To place runner-up to Stefano is such a big achievement already. His level of performance is way up there, having competed for the Tony Kart Team in several international races. And finishing ahead of other Asian champions from Thailand and Indonesia, plus other seasoned local karters such as Juha Turalba and John Alvarez made the feat sweeter,” said Benitez, whose father Albee came all the way from Bacolod to provide morale support to his son.

During the qualifying heats, Benitez’s time was only equal to his rivals as he was still familiarizing himself with his new kart.

“Kailangang ipakita mo sa akin ‘yung totoong talent mo, otherwise walang mangyayari, uuwi tayo na talunan,” coach Elson Carpio told Benitez.

True enough, Benitez showed more aggressiveness and tactics in the final races, dicing and outmaneuvering his rivals.