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Manila Bulletin devider Sports devider 14-year-old PH karting prodigy Nocom 2nd in the world

14-year-old PH karting prodigy Nocom 2nd in the world

Published May 23, 2026 02:12 pm

At A Glance

  • Mariano Axel Nocom, 14, has cemented his place as the most accomplished Filipino karter in history, now ranking second overall in the Champions of the Future Academy (COTFA) series— one of the world's premier karting development programs, where children of professional racing drivers compete internationally.
Multi-titled champion Axel Nocom becomes the first Filipino to race an electric kart in Japan — and bring home a podium trophy.
Multi-titled champion Axel Nocom becomes the first Filipino to race an electric kart in Japan — and bring home a podium trophy.
Mariano Axel Nocom, 14, has cemented his place as the most accomplished Filipino karter in history, now ranking second overall in the Champions of the Future Academy (COTFA) series— one of the world's premier karting development programs, where children of professional racing drivers compete internationally.
Nocom is the only Filipino driver to have competed in 4-stroke, 2-stroke, and BSR electric karts, which are faster than a gas kart at the international level.
He made history earlier this year as the first Filipino to race an electric kart in Japan at the Tokyo EV Championships, finishing on the podium. He currently ranks third in Japan's EV karting championship and is the only non-Japanese resident in the series.
His racing career spans circuits across Europe, Asia, and the Middle East — from Cremona, Valencia, and Sarno in Europe, to Suzuka, Motegi, Sepang, Macau, and Bangkok. He has also represented the Philippines at the FIA Motorsport Games and won gold in the karting category at the Asia Pacific Motorsport Games in Sri Lanka.
All of this has been achieved despite significantly less seat time than his competitors due to financial constraints — a testament to his exceptional raw talent.
Key Highlights
He is ranked No. 2 worldwide in COTFA (Champions of the Future Academy) and No. 3 in Japan EV Karting, where he is the only non-Japanese resident competing in the series.
He also won a gold medal in the karting category of the Asia Pacific Motorsport Games in Sri Lanka, while notably winning a BRC time attack event in a Honda Civic at just 10 years old and representing the Philippines in sim racing competitions across Asia.
When not competing abroad, Nocom mentors young Filipino drivers on the local circuit, helping to develop the next generation of Philippine motorsport talent and now accepting new aspirants who want to learn.

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Mariano Axel Nocom Champions of the Future Academy (COTFA)
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