Junior karters brace for tough challenge

MANILA, Philippines - Junior karters brace for tough challenges as they gun for crucial wins that will beef up their title chances today in the sixth and penultimate leg of the 2010 Magnolia Purewater Karting Super Series at the Clark International Speedway in Pampanga.

Cebuano Jette Calderon and Jet Racing’s Christian Gaddi hope to preserve solo leadership in their respective divisions in this event sanctioned by the Automobile Association Philippines and sponsored by Magnolia Purewater, San Miguel Corp., Petron Corp., Yokohama Tires, Motorstar and Aeromed.

But with the wide track and the possible rains, anything can happen and unexpected turn of events could make or break their hunt for the titles at stake.

Calderon, aiming for the Novice Karter of the Year award, is way ahead with 250 points. But three others – Estefano Rivera of FERN-C Racing, Christian Villenuve of Maranello-San Miguel Corp.-Marcelo Racing and Tonyo Carcel of AUTS Racing – are gearing up for big upsets to move up the ladder going into the championship round.

Rivera, last year’s Rookie of the Year, is second overall with 198 and a win would boost his goal of clinching a second career title.

Villenuve, who’s looking forward to his first major career plum, is third with 178 while Carcel is fourth with 164.

After winning the Mini-ROK crown for three straight years, Gaddi now sets his sights on the title in the Formula SL division where he enjoys a wide lead of 278 points.

But right behind him are two equally talented karters - CJ Tsui of Ready2Race and top female karter Sacha Feliciano of FERN-C Racing who are also vying for the Rookie of the Year award.

Tsui is currently second with 212 points while Feliciano moved up third with 193 following her big win at the Enchanted Kingdom.

Joseph Marvin Rojo is fourth with 191 while Matthew Chan of FERN-C Racing is fifth with 158.

Likewise, Basti Escalante of Ready2Race seeks to fortify his lead for the Mini-ROK crown up against Aira Medrano of FERN-C Racing and Marc Meynet.

For further details, interested parties may contact Carmona Circuit Philippines c/o Rose Feria at 817-2241.