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Sarah Geronimo

Last modified on 2009-09-18 22:19:18 GMT. 0 comments. Top.

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K5y_0gW-A4M

Saturday, November 14 @ Novehotel, Hammersmith LONDON!

WANNA GO????

Mr. Martin Gregory won first-ever Fil-Am Grand Prix!

Last modified on 2009-10-25 19:08:03 GMT. 0 comments. Top. [caption id="attachment_452" align="alignleft" width="225" caption="Speedy Mr. Martin Gregory wins by a long shot!"][/caption]

On 24 October 2009, on a slick rain-drenched track at the wildtracks go-kart circuit.  Six very excited and hopeful drivers raced to be named the first Fil-Am GrandPrix Champion.  The race started out with 3 qualifying laps.  The front-man on the qualifying was Algieros Arante. Martin Gregory took second spot.  The qualifying laps proved to be a challenge for most of the group due to inexperience with the track.

Shortly after the green flag drops all drivers began their exciting 30 Lap race that would run for at least 45 minutes.  For the first few laps it was “Al” Arante that would dominate the race.  His lead seemed to be unreachable for his rival just behind was ever remaining close, M. Gregory.  Unbeknownst to most of the drivers the track does get slicker as the race goes, when at the beginning laps everyone had joy ride at the hair pin turns it was not to be the same all the way.  The track did become slicker and the tight turns had to be negotiated in a more conservative way.   After even passing the stragglers,  the leader made a critical error of keeping the same pace and spun.  This was when Mr. Gregory took  lead and kept it the rest of the race.  While keeping lead, he also increased it to the surprise of his co-racers.

When interviewed later about how he got so far ahead, he responded, in a paraphrase, I first had to stay steady and hope people would “crash” or in other terms spin or  the technical term oversteer, that was the only way I could catch the leader I then learned how the track had better grips on some parts of a turn to gain time on each lap.  I took advantage of them.  Mr.  Gregory used his determination and some “karting savvy” to win the race.  Congratulations!

It was a great day to race.  The racers had a great time and wonders when the next one will be and hopes there would be more participants.  See you all at the next event!

Results (in order of finish):  Martin Gregory, Algieros Arante, Jennifer Samonte, Melvin Alejandro, Hope Paran, Larry Banag.  Click here to see the gallery.

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