MANILA, Philippines - Youthful Filipina Sacha Feliciano, driving for Tough Gear Racing, reigned in a rain-drenched final of the Yamaha Cup during the second leg of the Asian Karting Open Championship held at the Carmona Race in Cavite July 31.
The 17-year-old bucked the fury of Typhoon Kabayan to lift both the Novice and Overall trophies.
Feliciano displayed uncanny tactical sense when she made a conservative start and tucked into second place behind polesitter Joseph Marwin Rojo at the start.
On the fourth lap, she wrested the lead from Rojo and established a four-kart gap, which quickly expanded after Rojo spun out in the non-stop downpour. Behind her, Jaz Monzones, Joseph Castelar and Basti Escalante gave chase but Feliciano’s consistency and control proved too much of an advantage and she eventually took the checkered flag at the end of the 20-lap race as the crowd erupted in thunderous applause.
“It was difficult to see and the track was very slippery because of the rain. That’s why I tried so hard to keep focused and avoid mistakes,” Feliciano said. “I’d like to thank my coach, Edgen Dy-Liacco and the Tough Gear crew for preparing my kart, which ran so well all weekend. I’d also like to dedicate this win to my parents and family, who have always been there for me since I started racing.” Feliciano is set to see action in the next round of the Petron Karting Series, which will be held at the Enchanted Kingdom on Aug. 28.