MANILA, Philippines—Ramon Rodriguez is one of the legendary racing icons of the ’60s whose contributions paved the way to the growth of Philippine Motorsports. Back then, he was known as karting’s Enduro King.
Rodriguez also earned the distinction as “El Patron” for putting up the first CIK-FIA approved
and sanctioned track—JRC RamRod Kartway—which has been the country’s forerunner of international standard tracks long before Carmona Racetrack, the Batangas Racing Circuit and the Clark International Speedway came into being.
That vision of opening the country’s door to world racing earned Rodriguez a spot on the elite Philippine Motorsports Hall of-Fame in the 12th Golden Wheel Awards Night on March 14 at Samsung Hall of SM Aura in Fort Bonifacio Global City.
Rodriguez is also a member of the Cam Wreckers Club, the racing team that spawned most of today’s racing legends. His close association with the big guns of racing then, including the late Filipino car racing legend Arsenio “Dodjie” Laurel, 2012 Golden Wheel Hall-of-Famer Paquito Ventura, and former Philippine Motor Association chair Conrado “Dodo” Ayuyao became his ticket for admission to the Cam Wreckers Club.