MANILA, Philippines – Industria Jet Racing’s Franco Victor Puey Reyes had a big weekend in the just-concluded Pagcor KF Cup Series in karting.
The 14-year-old Ateneo high school freshman brought home a big haul of six trophies in six races at the conclusion of the 2010 KF Cup Series at the brand-new two km east course of the Clark International Speedway and the start of the 2011 Series held the following day at the shorter, but more technical west course.
Reyes registered podium finishes in Races 7 and 8, to keep his lead and secure the 2010 overall title in the KF3 Junior class with a total of 80 points in eight races, just a point ahead of Cebuano teammate Jette Calderon and Estefano Rivera of Fern-C Racing.
With his first place overall point standing in the KF3 series coupled with his second place overall standing in the ROK series, Reyes has a big chance of bagging the coveted Junior Karter of the Year title for the 2010 racing season which gives equal importance to the two kart race series.
In the same race meeting, Reyes joined the KF2 Senior class to test the waters and prepare his 2011 campaign in the senior class. Showing the same determination in winning the overall title in the junior class, Reyes recorded his first podium finishes in the senior class, taking first runner-up honors in both KF2 races which included a stellar lineup of top Filipino karters led by Stefano Marcelo, Marlon Stockinger and VJ Suba.
“It was so inspiring to be at pace with Stefano and Marlon, who are undoubtedly the country’s premier racing drivers. I think I will enjoy racing in the senior class this season,” a jubilant Reyes said after the race.
With the 2010 KF3 Junior title safely in his hands, Reyes focused his energies the following day on the 2011 KF2 Cup series. In the inaugural race of the new season, Reyes came from behind Suba and Marcelo and out duel the 17-year old Suba of Fern-C Racing at the finish line to claim Race 1 honors by a mere fraction of a second, giving him the first victory of the 2011 Karting season.
Later in the day, Reyes led at the start of the final of Race 2 towing Marcelo and Suba in an exciting finale. Suba topped the 11-lap final followed by Marcelo. Reyes eventually finished 3rd runner-up in the final.
The next two races in the KF series will be held at the Carmona Circuit on February 19 and 20, which promises to be an exciting affair with foreign entries from Japan andIndonesia participating. For more details of kart racing and schedules, contact Carmona Circuit or Kart Plaza, 817-2241.