Castrol Kart Series opens in Cebu

The Castrol Cebu Super Kart Series 2002 got off to an excellent start with its first leg held last April 14 at the KartZone Racing Circuit in Mabolo, Cebu City. Over 40 drivers took part in the five-category event.

It was a race of attrition in ICA/FA category as half the grid retired from the race due to mechanical failures. Cebu Racing Group driver Justin Neri, who led throughout the pre-final heat and most of final heat, was forced to relinquish the lead with a lap to go due to a broken spindle. He could do nothing but watch Peterson Lim take the lead and win as he nursed his engine to the checkered flag to finish second. Twelve-year-old Gianmatteo Guidicelli, who had swapped positions with Lim four times in the pre-final heat, was also forced to nurse his kart to third with a failing gear. 1999 National ICA Champion Jess Garcia, Lord Seno, and Steve Tan both retired from the event with blown engines.

In the Formula 125 category, 2001 champion Bernd Henkenhaf continued his domination in this category by overtaking Rainer Fux with a few laps to go in the final heat. Fux spun out of the race giving way to Julien Escande and Manilyn Lubiano. Up and rising star Carlo Cordaro ended his raceday due to a loose chain.

It was an uneventful race for Cebu Racing Group driver Blake Go as he led from start to finish to win the KT Light Category. Newcomer Paolo Rodriguez maintained his second place all throughout the race while Ian Borromeo was gifted a 2nd Runner-up finish when John Paul Chiongbian and Reiner Englis got involved in an incident as Chiongbian climbed over the back of Englis' kart while challenging for positionj. Englis was able to rejoin the race but could not regain his position.

The father and son tandem of Jonathan and Robert Buxton continued their domination of the KT Heavy and Cadet 60 categories. Jonathan Buxton dominated the qualifying time trials and led from start to finish in both heats. Veteran driver Charles Lim climbed up the grid from 5th and eventually finished 1st Runner-up. Ken Salimbangon, who maintained his 2nd place position all day was forced to give it up due to an overheating engine. Dominic Alegrado took third.

In the Cadet 60, nine-year-old Robert Buxton and John Jay Pontino continued their rivalry. The first heat saw the two drivers fight for position although out with Pontino taking the win. In the final heat, Pontino got the jump on the younger Buxton but spun out in the double apex turn. Buxton took the lead and never looked back. Pontino rejoined the race to finish second in front of Keith Bruce.