Castelars, Villalon power AUTS Racing in karting

MANILA, Philippines - AUTS Racing bagged another impressive feat behind Joseph Castelar, Indy Villalon and John Castelar recently in the 2009 Asian Karting Open Championship at the Carmona Circuit Philippines.

Joseph Castelar delivered the biggest victory, clinching the Yamaha Cup Senior crown for AUTS Racing powered by Pepsi-Cola Products Philippines, Inc., Gatorade, Kiplings, Birel Racing Karts, Yamaha Winforce, Kart Care Lubricants, Freeline, GoKartGlobal.com, AUTS International, Hoddies Jackets and Eats Amore.

Castelar held his ground in the final two laps to wrap up the 22-lap race in 17 minutes, 47.774 seconds, a mere 0.459 second ahead of Tonyo Carcel.

Despite figuring in a collision, Villalon gave up a strong fight as he copped third place in the Yamaha Cup Senior while John Castelar finished fourth overall to wind up runner-up in the Yamaha Cup Junior class.

For a while, Villalon controlled the lead until the collision dropped him at the back of the grid. Castelar took over from where he left and engaged veteran Oliver Aquino in a grueling dicing for the lead down until the final two laps when he took command for good.

Villalon struggled his way back, passing one driver after another and wound up fifth overall despite a damaged kart with a time of 18:10.334 seconds.

Castelar and Villalon will again spearhead AUTS Racing’s bid in the Enchanted Kingdom race today together with Archie Rubio.

 gave the second crown following his title-feat in the Formula SL Heavy class over Von Medrano.

 “We’re happy that they gave all their hearts out despite the odds and we could not have made it without the quality performance of Birel Karts which is one of the top quality racing karts used by karting champions all over the world,” said AUTS Racing team manager Martin Alvendia.