2024 Round 1 RMC Asia Trophy — Sepang

My first Rotax Max Challenge Asia Trophy race took me to the Sepang International Circuit in Malaysia, where I was the only Filipino driver in my category competing against racers from different countries. I drove a 2024 Tony Kart Rookie for Stratos Motorsports, with Coach Rafael Perez and Kuya Konsi of BRacing Development helping prepare my kart and make sure I was comfortable.

I spent several days practicing and learning the circuit, while the team continued adjusting my kart to help me improve. The sessions were challenging, especially because of the heat and the strong international competition, but every lap helped me gain more experience and confidence.

I finished 6th in the Time Trial and maintained 6th place through the qualifying heats and pre-final. In the final, I fought my way forward and crossed the finish line in 4th place. After the official results were released, a driver ahead of me was disqualified for a technical violation, moving me up to 3rd place and onto the podium.

It was my first international podium, and it became a very special moment in my young racing journey. It taught me that staying focused, working hard, and never giving up can turn every challenge into an opportunity.