Fern-C Racing's Chan bags Golden Wheel, AAP awards

MANILA, Philippines - Clinching major achievements last year only proved the big improvement and racing maturity of Fern-C Racing’s Matthew Chan under the tutelage of head coach Edgen Dy-liacco. And this season, he’s gearing up for bigger challenges ahead as he moves up in the ROK Senior and the KF2 classes.

The 16-year-old Chan, a top student of St. Jude Catholic School and Kumon Math School, may not be as electrifying as the top guns of karting but certainly, his suave driving and mental sharpness steered his winning moments with the big support of Sanyoseiki Stainless Steel Corporation and Bosch Power Tools.

He not only bagged the ROK Novice crown of the local Petron Karting Super Series but also captured the Asian ROK Senior plum.

Aside from these title-clinching feats, Chan was likewise heralded as the 2011 Clubman Karter of the Year and got prestigious distinctions from two reputable motorsports awards bodies – the Golden Wheel and the Automobile Association Philippines.

“It was a fruitful year, and I couldn’t have made it without God’s guidance, the wisdom and experience of coach Edgen, and the support of my teammates, crew and mechanics of the Fern-C racing team,” said Chan, who will join the Riveras Milo and Estefano, and Suba brothers VJ and Vrei-AR, in the second leg of the 2012 Petron Karting Super Series on April 28-29 at the Batangas Racing Circuit.

“To the Golden Wheel and the AAP, thank you for the distinction. And to my loving parents who supported me all the way, I give them back these victories and recognitions,” he added.

Matthew also tried the KF2 engine late last season and quickly adjusted to the power of the said engine used by defending champion Stefano Marcelo and other top karters.

In fact in the last KF2 race, he made it to the podium finishing fifth twice against older and more experienced rivals.

“I felt more at ease with the KF2 engine, as if it was tailor-made for my driving style. And hopefully, chances will be a lot better as we aim to achieve bigger feats this year,” said Chan.

Matthew won the ROK Novice crown with a total of 421 points over tough rivals CJ Tsui and Daniel Miranda. And in the Asian ROK Senior class, he upstaged more experienced rivals Archim Lagman and Fong Yuk Hang of China for the title.