Reyes Phl bet in Macau GP

MANILA, Philippines - The international karting season unfolds this weekend with the inaugural round of the Asian Karting Championship in Coloane Circuit in Macau.

Ateneo sophomore Franco Puey Reyes, 15, is the Filipino bet in what promises to be the toughest Asian Championship series since its inception with the participation of European and Euro-trained Asian drivers.

He will be competing in the Junior 125cc Open Class against 20 battle- tested drivers from across the Asian region.

A three-time Macau champion since his Cadet days, Reyes, a darkhorse in his class, will be up against the likes of last year’s overall champion Senna Iriawan of Indonesia, who has been competing in the tough European circuit the past three months, as well as perennial favorites Andy Chang of the host country, and the rest of the crack Indonesian team which fielded a sizable contingent in this inaugural edition of the Asian Championship.

“This is going to be the toughest series ever. The junior drivers have all reached maturity, and a lot of them, especially the Indonesians and Chinese, have been competing in the Euro circuit lately. We don’t have that luxury as the racing season in Europe runs smack in the middle of school season here,” Reyes said.

“But Macau has a special place in my heart, as I’ve won my first Asian Championship there back in 2006 as a Cadet and two more times in Yamaha class in 2008 and the Junior 125 Open the following year. So, it’s a question of who has the bigger heart” a smiling Reyes added.

The 2010 Philippine Golden Wheel International Junior Driver of the Year will be joined by his father and coach, noted advertising director Mandy Reyes, his local crew, as well as his engine tuner and mechanics from Italy.

“It would be a big honor for me to win Macau again for the country. And I’m eternally grateful to those who have supported me throughout my racing career, especially my school, the Ateneo. It’s gonna be one, big fight this weekend” Reyes concluded.