10-year-old Lipeño gears up for global karting championship in Italy
At A Glance
- Antonio G. Racelis, a promising 10-year-old talent in the world of kart racing from Lipa City, Batangas is taking his talents to the world stage to test his mettle against top global challengers in one of go-karting's most prestigious world championships, the ROK Cup Superfinal.
Antonio G. Racelis in action.
Antonio G. Racelis, a promising 10-year-old talent in the world of kart racing from Lipa City, Batangas is taking his talents to the world stage to test his mettle against top global challengers in one of go-karting's most prestigious world championships, the ROK Cup Superfinal.
Taking place at the South Garda Karting in Lonato (Italy) from October 14 to 18, the event will host more than 400 participants from over 35 different nations.
"Anton," at 10, is no stranger to the track having competed in various races for three years now. He quickly ascended the ranks in the professional karting world as he pursues his dream of competing one day in Formula One (F1).
He began his professional karting career at the age of seven and has since consistently displayed remarkable dedication and perseverance, skillfully balancing his demanding racing
schedule with his other responsibilities and academic commitments at Stonyhurst Southville International School - Lipa.
Anton's impressive track record includes 8 national championship titles, two of which he won just this year -- ROK GP Cup Philippine Series in Carmona Racing Track, Carmona, Cavite Round 1 and ROK GP Cup Philippine Series in Palawan International Circuit, Puerto Princesa, Palawan Round 3. He also holds 8 1st Runner-up titles, 4 2nd Runner-up, 3 3rd Runner-up, and 2 4th Runner-up titles both locally and internationally.
His recent victories in the ROK GP Cup Philippine Series and ROK Cup Asia has secured his spot as an official qualifier for the upcoming ROK Cup Superfinal. He is vying for a place in South Garda Karting backed by extensive experience on various racing tracks here and abroad. These include Coloane Karting Track in Macau, RUD Karting Sepang International Track and Morac Go-Kart International in Malaysia, Bira Go Kart Circuit in Thailand, and Kartodromo Internacional Lucas Guerrero in Spain.
Even with the stiff competition he will be facing during the race in Lonato, Anton remains optimistic about the championship. Having undertaken thorough preparations, he expresses a certainty of success.
While zoning in on his main goal of pursuing to be the MiniROK Karter of the Year for the year 2025, Anton's main focus right now is set on the upcoming Italy championship.
"He's been training a lot. Prior to the event itself, he will be competing for the 7th round of ROK GP Cup Philippine Series in Carmona, Cavite for more seat time and enhance his racecraft before heading to Italy. Then he will be completing his practices in Lonato to get to know more about the track. I, my wife, Jimyleen, and the entire family support him all the way on this," said Anthony Racelis, Anton's father.
"When I close my eyes, I see myself at the front, crossing the finish line — a reminder that with dedication, trust, and belief, I can make it happen," said Anton,