Rivera fans Fern-C racing team's feats

MANILA, Philippines – Junior ace Estefano Rivera of Fern-C Racing bounced back strong from a so-so stint the first time out and from an accident-marred practice round Saturday as he swept three races and won two titles in the second leg of the Petron Karting Super Series at the Batangas Racing Circuit in Rosario, Batangas recently.

The 15-year-old Rivera, who had a dismal performance in the kickoff leg, bagged both the ROK overall and ROK junior crowns while powering Fern-C Racing team to a 1-2-3 finish with VJ Suba and Matthew Chan.

Rivera figured in a collision in Saturday’s practice session and suffered contusions in his back after his kart slammed into the tire barrier. He was immediately brought to the hospital but was given the green light to race again, topping the qualifying round then ruling the pre-final race.

Rivera and Suba battled it out for the lead throughout the final race but the former’s brilliant defense frustrated Suba in the last 50 meters to secure his victory in the event sanctioned by the Automobile Association Philippines and sponsored by Petron Blaze, San Miguel Corporation, Motorstar and Aeromed.

He wrapped up the 10-lap final race in 12 minutes and 53.933 seconds, 0.633 of a second ahead of Suba.

Chan, last year’s Clubman Karter of the Year, also held sway against Archim Lagman in the last 20 meters to claim third place.  

Lagman settled for fourth while Sacha Feliciano of Marcelo Racing ended up fifth as she also went on to win the ROK Clubman title.

Rivera likewise copped the ROK Junior title over Chan and Daniel Miranda of Cebuana Lhuillier-Marcelo Racing.

VJ Suba eventually clinched the ROK Senior crown over Lagman and Feliciano.  Milo Rivera also of FERN-C Racing made it fourth while CJ Tsui wound up fifth.

The Red Bull Supreme Racing duo of Don Batino and Nike Mora again posted a 1-2 finish in the SQ Karting Expert class with Phillip Rido checking in third.

Mora likewise prevailed over Rido and Jerry Choi Acuna in the SQ Karting Veteran class while Michael Bonafe topped the SQ Karting Novice division.

For more info, interested parties may call the Carmona Racetrack c/o Rose Feria at 845-0745, 889-3389, 845-3287 and 845-4142 or visit the websitewww.asiankarting.com.