Junior karter Monzones eyes bigger plum

PRODIGIOUS karter Jaz Monzones kicks off his 2013 campaign this weekend in the first two rounds of the Coca-Cola KF2-KF3 Cup Series at Carmona Racetrack in Cavite.

Next month, the 13-year-old Monzones will race as a full-time ROK Junior karter when the Coca-Cola Karting Super Series gets under way on March 9 and 10, also at Carmona Racetrack.

Competing under the Natmo Asia-GP1 Racing team, Monzones beat Yvana Carangan and Wayne Norman Darvin to capture the overall Formula SL Expert plum last year. He likewise emerged ROK Clubman overall runner-up and ROK Junior overall third placer.

Monzones, who enjoys the backing of Natmo Asia Construction, Casimiro Development, Kleen Pro, Active Phil and Kart Plaza, said he expects tougher battles as a junior karter but is confident he can be competitive now that he trains under Formula E Racing Management founder and veteran coach Elson Carpio.

“I always give my best to win and grab every opportunity that comes my way,” said Monzones, an incoming high school freshman of De La Salle-Zobel. Steve Silva, Contributor