Monzones rallies to nail runner-up honors

MANILA, Philippines - Young karter Jaz Monzones of RP-1 Natmo Asia bagged the Formula SL Novice runner-up crown recently in the kickoff of the 2011 Petron Karting Super Series at the Carmona Racetrack.

 Monzones, an 11-year-old Grade 5 De La Salle-Canlubang student, rallied from 15th place in the qualifying heat for the big finish.

He posted the fastest laptime of 49.431 seconds as he wrapped up the 20-lap race in 16 minutes and 38.402 seconds, even beating other Expert karters in the combined field.

Monzones was actually third best in the time trials but figured in a collision at the start of the qualifying heat. He is supported by Casimiro Development, Natmo-Asia, Kart Plaza, Kleenpro and Active Phil.com.

Starting 15th on the grid, he quickly surged to seventh place on the first lap of the Pre-Final, moved up two notches higher on the fifth lap and settled fourth on the eighth lap until the end of the race.

As the battle turned tougher in the Final Race, Monzones kept pace with two Expert drivers before winding up with the Novice runner-up honors.

“It’s tougher this year. Unlike in the Mini-ROK division where I raced against my age group, dealing with the older and more experienced Expert karters was a lot harder,” said Monzones.