INQUIRER Sports

RISING STAR ESTEfano Rivera of PCR-Tough Gear Racing delivered the lone victory that saved the Philippines from a total debacle recently in the final round of the 2009 Asian Karting Open Championship at the S.C. Motorsport Circuit in Saraburi, Thailand.

The 13-year-old Rivera was consistent throughout, topping all three qualifying heats, pre-final and final race to claim the Yamaha Cup Junior title.

Rivera captured the title on his first season in the international scene as he emerged overall champion of the Asian Karting Yamaha Cup Junior class with 58 points.

He finished fourth in the combined race with the senior karters as he wrapped up the 18-lap race in 18 minutes and 48.019 seconds, turning back Thai Patiphat Jeerapaet.

Following his triumph, Rivera was invited to compete in the Red White Sangari Invitational Kart Prix set Nov. 19 to 21 together with teammates Vencer John and Vrei AR Suba at the Sepang Karting Circuit in Selangor, Malaysia.

They will be competing against karters from Europe, South America, Australia, India, Singapore and Hong Kong. Only five Filipinos competed in the AKOC Finals that was ruled by the Thais.