ROK Cup Philippines Round 1

The weekend started with an unexpected challenge. During official practice, I was asked to switch from my familiar IPK kart to my LN Kart, which I had not driven for more than a year. Coach Rafael and Daddy explained that being able to drive different karts was important because I needed to be ready if one kart could not be used.

Later, I found out that my IPK kart had unexpectedly been prohibited for my MiniROK races. With very little time left before the competition, the BRacing Development worked together to prepare my LN Kart. I had to adjust to an uncomfortable driving position during the remaining practice sessions, while the team continued working late into Friday night to get the kart ready.

On Saturday, I had only two practice sessions before the Time Trial. Despite the limited preparation, I adapted quickly and set the fastest lap, earning pole position for the qualifying heats.

I won Qualifying Heat 1 after leading for six laps. In Heat 2, I briefly dropped to second after the formation lap but quickly regained the lead before Turn 3 and held it to the finish. Starting from pole in the final, I lost the lead at Turn 2 but stayed calm, retook first place on the main straight, and gradually built a lead of more than one second.

Crossing the finish line as Champion was an unforgettable moment. Hearing the crowd cheer as I stood on the podium made the victory even more special. This race taught me that when unexpected problems happen, staying adaptable, trusting my team, and never giving up can turn a difficult situation into something memorable.