Cebu's Tonyo Carcel is mini ROK 'Karter of the Year'

CEBU - Cebuano go-kart racer Juan Antonio “Tonyo” Carcel left his challengers in total awe after he was proclaimed as the "Karter of the Year" in the mini ROK division of the 2008 Shell Helix Karting Super Series the other day at the Carmona Circuit in Cavite.

 The mini ROK class was considered as the most exciting battle during the championship leg series with 75 points at stake for the winner.

Going into the final battle, Carcel had 454 points, just 16 points away from closest pursuer Christian Gaddi, while another Cebuano Jette Calderon had 346 points.

With such a marginal lead, Carcel made sure he takes full control of all three heats in the two-day action.

During the first heat, the Carcel siblings Tonyo and Kali posted a 1-2 finish, making it a very inspiring start for the young Cebuano karter.

In the next heat, Carcel still got the top spot followed by Calderon and his younger sister Kali.

Despite enjoying a comfortable lead, Carcel poured all his energies left unmindful of the heavy downpour in the afternoon.

Carcel topped all three heats, thanks to fellow Cebuano Calderon for blocking Gaddi’s way up during the final heat.The last heat saw Carcel, Calderon and Gaddi on the 1-2-3 position at the finish line.

Carcel sealed his bid in the seven-leg series with a total of 528 points, while Gaddi finished second with 477 points. Gaddi still has something to cheer for as snatched the overall championship in the cadet division.–Caecent No-ot Magsumbol (THE FREEMAN)