Cudala debuts with big sweep in future champs series

MANILA, Philippines - Raymond Ryan Cudala displayed big promise as he pulled an impressive sweep recently in the kickoff of the four-leg 2011 Castrol Champions of the Future Series at the Carmona Racetrack in Cavite.

Cudala, a 12-year-old Grade 5 student of Elizabeth Seton School, proved his potentials as a future champ as he dominated both the pre-final and final race of this event organized by Castrol and its partners Tuason Racing School, the Automobile Association Philippines, Alaska, Peña Motorsports, AUTS Racing, Bridgestone, PUMA, OMP, Jaguar, Lifeline, Carmona Race Track, The Philippine Star, 99.5RTfm, Trapik.com, Kzone, Top Gear and Timezone.

Putting his racing interest into action, Cudala seemed at ease with the stock kart set-up as he quickly pulled away and built an unmolested lead midway to turn back 16 other kids on their first actual race.

Even before the race, he was really keen on succeeding as he aims to move up to a higher level of competition. And he proved himself beyond words as he emerged the only kid to break the 42-second barrier after clocking the best time of 41.17 in the qualifying time trials.

William Casequin, the nine-year-old son of touring car champion and TRS race car driver Stuart MacDonald, checked in runner-up in both races.

He posted the second best time of 42.19.

Arthur Tuason, son of multi-titled champion JP Tuason and the grandson of the late legend Arthur Tuason, finished third in the Pre-Final upstaging 11-year-old Gabriel Tayao Cabrera and 13-year-old Dominique Lao.

But in the Final race, Peeve Madriaga got in his way to claim overall third place, pushing Tuason to fourth with Cabrera winding up fifth.

All participants were each given a medal as Castrol Philippines president Mars Sota was elated over the outcome of the race that also includes KingVin Tan, Ronin Leviste, Arielle Leviste, Galen Yap, Iolo Estanislao, , Julian Gabriel L. Espino, Bien Vicson F. Madriaga, Hanna Beltran, Flynn Keeling Jackes, Xedrei Daquigan and Matthew Maramba.

“I was quite stunned how aggressive these kids are even though it’s yet their first time to race. I believe our program is on the right track here with the Tuason Racing School taking charge of the search, and given the proper training and exposure, one from this batch could make it in the international scene,” said Sota.

The winner of the said series will be given a scholarship package to run in the National Karting Series from AAP under the tutelage of multi awarded race car drivers and champion makers JP & Mike Tuason.

The last of the clinics is set on April 3. Interested parties may register online at www.championsofthefutureph.com or call the TRS secretariat c/o Aileen and Abi at mobile numbers 09175967580 and 09175967604 and Tel. no. 8177795 loc 203 or 205.