Golden Wheel Awards fetes Eduque

Racing legend Jose Armando “Mandy” Eduque will be inducted into the Hall of Fame in the 13th Golden Wheel Awards Night Saturday at Samsung Hall of SM Aura in Taguig.

Eduque got the nod for his accomplishments in racing as well as his contributions to local motorsports in his capacity as chair of the motorsports committee of the Automobile Association Philippines.

Known as “the man who set the direction for Philippine motorsports,” Eduque used his experience in racing to establish programs that have benefited the growing generation of race car drivers.

“We did our best to make sure that Philippine racing is safe, that it is fair and not only for the rich, meaning it is open and available to everyone who has the talent,” said Eduque.

Among the highlights of Eduque’s career is his victory in the Philippine National Rally Championship and selection as Driver of the Year in 1990.

“My motorsports years were probably the most exciting in my life,” Eduque recalled. “It’s hard to explain it unless you are a competitor.”

He finished eighth in the Hong Kong-Beijing Rally, the best finish by a Filipino internationally. Cedelf P. Tupas