Cabrera dominates ROK Cup

MANILA, Philippines - Seaoil-DC karter Gabriel Tayao Cabrera unfurled another milestone in Philippine karting following another huge victory that firmed up his solo leadership recently in the fifth leg of 2014 Petron Blaze 100 ROK Cup Karting Super Series at the Clark International Speedway.

The win set an unprecedented record for the Makati Hope Christian School 14-year-old Grade 10 student who became the first ever junior karter to score a five-race winning streak in the premier ROK overall class – a feat only senior karters could achieve in the past years.

Cabrera, who’s also backed up by Point Zero Project, Media Magic and Imola Industries, sealed another double-title haul as he held his ground  against seasoned campaigner Bobby Domingo to capture the ROK overall plum and hike his total to 236 points.

He likewise turned back fellow Boy Ochoa Memorial awardee Jacob Ang for the ROK Junior crown to remain on top with 245 points.

Topping the time trials with 1:05.612, he felt uneasy with his kart’s setup and decided not to force the issue against Domingo who prevailed in the qualifying heat, sensing some minor problems which could blow into proportion and force his early exit.

After adjustment done by his mechanic Joesefilo Bariquit, Cabrera got his  groove back to rule the pre-finals and flaunted impressive defensive driving to sustain his hold of the top spot throughout the 12-lap final race and capture the checkered flag in 13 minutes, 0.186 second or just 1.818 seconds ahead of Domingo.

 “I couldn’t etch my own mark in Philippine karting history without the influence and guidance of the racing greats who also achieved historic feats during their time and continue to inspire young and budding karters of the present generation,” said Cabrera.

“Likewise, the support and inspiration of my mother, my grandmother, friends, supporters and sponsors provided the motivation to give my best or even push myself beyond limits,” he said.

Aside from the ROK Overall and ROK Junior plums of the local karting series, Gabe is also eyeing the distinction as Asian Karting Prince as he leads the race for the Formula Open 125 Junior crown of the 2014 Asian Karting Open Championship Series that will stage its final round at the Kartodromo de Coloane Circuit in Macau.