Reyes overcomes engine gremlins, rules Yamaha race
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 06:14:00 03/19/2008
MANILA, Philippines—Franco Victor Puey Reyes bucked engine trouble in the final race to rule the 100cc Yamaha Formula SL Novice race of the recent Shell Super Series National Karting Championships inaugural leg at the Carmona Circuit Philippines in Cavite.
The 11-year-old fifth grader from Ateneo de Manila University was comfortably ahead when his engine started detuning late in the race.
“I had to drive with one hand during most of the race because I had to keep the carburator adjustment needle from coming loose due to the vibration,” said Reyes, the youngest driver on the grid.
Eventual second placer AR Medrano of Ready-To-Race team also caught up with Reyes halfway into the race, but the latter managed to regroup and hold on to claim the checkered flag.
Reyes said he had the best chassis and praised his crew for making the win possible.
“It feels good to be back on top of the podium after a long time,” said Reyes, who had a series of losses last year. “This victory is for all the people who helped me.”
The former Asian Cadet Karter of the Year also figured in an accident during the time trials, resulting in a 12th place finish.
Reyes also recalled the pre-finals when he quickly overtook Medrano and held him off at
Carmona’s treacherous Heavenly Hairpin.
“I just held the inside line when AR made that dive on me,” Reyes said. “It was a gutsy move, but I knew he had nowhere to go.”
Reyes and his Jet Racing Team will see action anew in the second round slated at the Batangas Racing Circuit on April 12-13. Steve Silva, contributor
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