8-nation Asian Karting Open kicks off today

MANILA, Philippines -Carmona Mayor Roy Loyola will be the special guest-of-honor as top karters from eight countries dispute the titles at stake in the kickoff of the 2010 Asian Karting Open Championships today at the Carmona Racetrack.

Loyola, a long-time supporter of karting, will grace the opening rites tomorrow with Asian Karting Open organizer Johnny Tan and Automobile Association Philippines director Jun Espino in the simple ceremonies that will be highlighted by a cultural presentation.

Reigning Karter of the Year Joey Orduna of Ready2Race will deliver the oath of sportsmanship as he later joins the hunt for the coveted title in this event sanctioned by the AAP and sponsored by Yokohama, Red-White Racing Indonesia, Magnolia Purewater, Petron, San Miguel Corporation, Vivere Hotel, Department of Tourism, Philippine Sports Commission, Pagcor Sports, Aeromed and Motorstar.

Other guests include Red White Racing Indonesia managing director Stanley Iriawan, Vivere Hotel general manager Elvie Quiazon and Katsuyasu Yuze and Naoya Uenishi of Yokohama Rubber Co. Ltd.

The quest for the Asian karting crown turns event tougher and more exciting as the number of entries reached 82, including a huge field of 48 karters running in the Formula Open 125.

After the open practice yesterday, participating karters will be aiming for the fastest clocking in the qualifying time trials to gain the pole positions in their quests for the the titles in the Mini-ROK, Rotax Max, ROK Junior, ROK Senior, Formula 125 Open Junior, Formula 125 Open Senior, the Yamaha Cup Junior, Yamaha Cup Senior, the SQ class and the Formula Novice division.