Reyes, Calderon vie in ROK world finals

MANILA, Philippines - Industria Racing Team karting stalwarts Franco Reyes and Jette Calderon depart for Lonato, Italy today to compete in the 2011 ROK World Finals slated Oct. 13-16 at the South Garda Kart Track.

Reyes and Calderon clinched the top two berths in the Junior ROK category to gain the right to represent the country in the top karting tournament.

The 15-year old Reyes, a high school sophomore at the Ateneo de Manila, will be vying for a record sixth time since competing in the Mini division in 2006.

Reyes, who finished 22nd among over 70 junior drivers in the main final last year, is vying in his final Junior tournament.

Calderon, of the Ateneo de Cebu, will be joining teammate Reyes for the second time. Both were in the ROK Finals in 2007 as the country’s bets in the Mini division.

“Again, the goal this year is to get into the main final first, and from there on, try to get a podium finish, if not win the championship altogether,” said Reyes.

“It’s a tough race considering we’re up against Europe’s and the world’s best drivers. Europe has the highest level of competition in karting as it is the traditional home of karting,” he added.