Finest PH racer known March 3

MANILA, Philippines—Nine racing champions will vie for the Golden Wheel Driver of the Year honor during the 9th Golden Wheel Awards Night on March 3 at the Tanghalang Aurelio Tolentino of the Cultural Center of the Philippines.

Jean Stefano Marcelo (karting), Audel Sison (drifting), Noel Rivera (slalom), Vincent Floirendo (grand touring), Reynan Jayme (4×4 offroad), Martin Manalo (drag racing), Glenn Aguilar (motocross), Anthony Roman (underbone racing) and Dashi Watanabe (scooters) lead the major awardees who are automatic contenders for the top plum given to the racer who made the biggest impact on the local and international scenes.

The International Driver of the Year plum will also be among the coveted awards during the gala night that will carry the theme “Transforming Differences Into Renewed Solidarity.”

Only four racers have won this citation for their international achievements—Glenn Aguilar for Asian motocross (2005), Tyson Sy for Asian Formula 3 (2006) and Stefano Marcelo (2007) and Juha Turalba (2008) for Asian karting.

“The Asian racing community managed to survive the challenges by working on a compromise that will benefit the whole region than individual gains,” said Golden Wheels Foundation chair Johnny Tan.

“We may not have achieved big strides but we were able to take steps forward.”

Launched in 2003, the Golden Wheel Awards aims to promote the sport with a vision to help local racers crash the world motorsports scene. The event has also grown into an annual gathering of the sport’s stars and supporters.

For inquiries, contact the Golden Wheel Foundation through Rose Feria or Meann Daliva at 8172241.