Tonyo Carcel embarks on new challenge

CEBU, Philippines - Juan Antonio “Tonyo” Carcel has already been hailed Karter of the Year, but he’s not done yet for 2012.

Carcel is bound for Singapore to strut his wares in the Shell SL Invitational at the F1 Grand Prix special kart track on November 30 to December 2.

Winning the coveted award is surely a huge morale-booster for Carcel in his forthcoming stint abroad.

 After three years of absence in the local scene as he was focused on racing in Manila, Carcel felt so good after he came out victorious in Cebu’s premiere karting event, the Kartzone Superkart Series 2012.

“I feel great. I really wanted this award since day one of the season,” said Carcel.

Carcel, the top expert rider in the series, accumulated a total of 270 points. He only held a slim three-point advantage, but it was more than enough to dethrone Jette Calderon as the top go-kart race of Cebu. Joseph Rojo wound up third overall with 237 points.

Going into the final leg last week at Kartzone, the graduating high school student of Paref-Springdale  admitted that he was so pressured as he was aiming for no less than a decisive victory.

But Carcel gamely overcame the odds to seal his bid with flying colors.

“I thank God for this and to my family (dad Neil, mom Mia and sister Kali) and to my friends who came especially Michaela and Zacky,” said Tonyo. “This is the most memorable year for me as a karter. Kartzone has always been my favorite track.” (FREEMAN)