Cabrera braces for bigger karting challenge

MANILA, Philippines - Junior Karter of the Year Gabriel Tayao Cabrera got his baptism of fire in senior karting but proved he’s up to the task, winning three of the first four rounds of the 2015 KF Karting Super Series at the Carmona Racetrack in Carmona, Cavite recently.

But the 15-year-old Grade 10 Makati Hope Christian School student said he still has to polish his driving skills in a bid to level up with the veteran campaigners in the senior class.

After dicing with comebacking 2012 Karter of the Year VJ Suba throughout the four-round encounter, Cabrera has stressed the need to develop strategy and defensive techniques.

“I’m happy that I won but it was a humbling experience that made me realize I should not be contented with what I currently have and accept there’s a lot more I need to learn from the masters to be the best in your chosen field,” said Cabrera.

“Moving up to the senior class is like plunging into a bigger, different league and I appreciate VJ (Suba) had been an excellent mentor during our intense dicing where he actually demonstrated these techniques and other skills I need to develop to be a top caliber champion and equip me with advanced racing skills to succeed in future plans to race abroad,” he added.

He noted that Suba’s racing techniques are similar to the styles of the ace Malaysian karters who are already competing in Europe during his recent stint in the Rotax Invitational in Malaysia.