Benitez joins 2 international tourneys

MANILA, Philippines - With his double triumph against an elite cast of karters recently, JeT Racing team captain Javi Benitez aims for a higher price when he plunges into action in the KF2 Class of the CIK Karting World Cup May 20-23 at the Suzuka Circuit and the Asian Karting Open Championship June 11-13 at the Carmona racetrack in Cavite.

Benitez, who has been silent in the local circuit the past months, announced his return to competitive shape when he surprised the powerhouse field with his newfound confidence and racing form in the recent 2010 Magnolia Super Karting Series at the Boomland Kart Track.

Benitez, 15, toyed with the field, which included ace karter Stefano Marcelo, to win both the ROK overall and the ROK senior crowns in a masterful showing that will serve him in good stead when he participates in two prestigious international tournaments in the next two months.

“The confidence level would be low had it not been for those two wins. They (wins) are indeed a game changer for me,” said the incoming Xavier third year high school student, who is backed by Bingo Bonanza Corp., Henry Sy Jr. of SM companies, Willy Ocier of Pacific Online Systems Corp., Industria and Belle Corp.

The confidence showed during competition.

The JeT Racing team captain was flawless in the races, emerging first in the time-trial, qualifying heat, pre and final races, the final two of which he did via coast-to-coast fashion. With the double win, Benitez (200 points) now leads Marcelo (194) in the Senior ROK division.

“Javi dedicated his victories to me, saying they were his birthday gift to me. Of course, I was touched by the gesture because these have been the best presents I ever received on my birthday,” said Benitez’s mother Nikki. “I’m really glad of his performance.”

Benitez’s most exciting win came in the final race, where Marcelo moved behind the JeT Racing star at the start of the heat. But Benitez remained focused on the task at hand, his defensive driving continuously shutting the door on the chasing Marcelo and the pursuing pack. He finished the 28-lap race in 13 minutes and 33.357 seconds, 0.463 of a second ahead of his rival.

“It’s been a long time since I last won. The night before, I told myself, I had to do something about it. I was really positive that I will win,” said Benitez, who despite the heat, regularly practices at the Boomland Kart Track.