Basti eyes mini-ROK crown

MANILA, Philippines - Promising young karter Antonio Sebastian “Basti” Escalante of Tuason Racing School embarks on a new challenge as he competes in the Mini-ROK Challenge of the 2010 Pagcor KF2-KF3 Championship Series kicking off today at the Carmona Circuit Philippines.

A member of the RP Team that competed in the World Karting Championship in Macau last October, the 11-year-old La Salle-Zobel fifth grader hopes to bank on that experience to give his title quest a big push this year with the big support of Tuason Racing School, OMP, Werdenberg International Corp., Bridgestone, Audi, Bank of Commerce, Puma, Transnational Diversified Group, Washington Watches, Emcor, and Kservico.

Escalante showed consistency in the last three legs of the Magnolia Pure Water Karting Super Series last year under the tutelage of personal coach and multi-titled karting champ Mike Tuason.

He wound up third overall in the National Karting Series with 331.5 points following his impressive third place finish at the Enchanted Kingdom and his runner-up feat in the championship leg at the Clark International Speedway.

“This is a prelude event before the National Series this March, and the experience here will prepare me better for this year’s Mini-ROK crown,” said Escalante, son of restaurateur Chef TonyBoy and Agnes Escalante of the famous Tagaytay Gourmet Restaurant Antonio’s and Agnes.

“Coach Mike was a big help and with the full support of my parents, the mechanics and crew, I’m very optimistic of my chances this season,” he added.

Mike Tuason admitted that the young Escalante has shown great improvement.   “He’s a fast learner, it took only a few months to master the techniques I taught him and I believe he’ll go a long way this year,” added Tuason.