Anton, Rivera banner PH bid in Asian race

CARLOS Anton, one of the country’s most prolific race car drivers, brings his act to Taiwan on Sept. 23 and 24 to represent the country in the Asia Zone Gymkhana Championships.

The eight-time Driver of the Year awardee of the Automobile Association of the Philippines finished third behind two Japanese drivers the last time he competed in the event 11 years ago.

Anton will race for Castrol-Yokohama Philippines alongside reigning national slalom champion and 2015 Golden Wheel awardee Milo Rivera in the 12-country Taiwan competition.

The event features drivers racing identical Skoda 1600cc hatchback cars in three different stages.

“Japan will still be the team to beat, but we’ll have to watch out for the Indonesians who placed well in the last competition,” said Anton, who has been concentrating on the racing career of his son Iñigo.

“We have a good chance since it all boils down to the driving, instead of relying on equipment.”

Anton blew the cobwebs away recently and swept the PRO A,B and C divisions during an invitational Slalom series held in Pangasinan last month.

“It was really hard to get that podium finish the last time,” said Anton, who is backed by Yokohama, Castrol, Kilton, Kart Plaza, Mark Young Racing, Ross Jackes, Worksbell Japan, Autoshack, Special Stage, JSD Autosport, GNS Dagupan and  Mohspeed. Steve Silva, Contributor