With the success of the movies Cars 1 and 2 and the numerous F1 and racing-themed kiddie parties, being a race-car driver is something people think as farfetched as being an astronaut. It’s a very idealistic dream at an age you want your kids to believe that everything is possible. Believe me, being a racecar driver is not as far off as you think.
I’m married to a racecar driver and for about 15 years I’ve logged on the same number of days at the track as any mechanic. I had a rule, which I impart to all of the racer’s wives that I have met along the way: when he wins don’t be the first to approach him, let him bask in the limelight. They usually go on rounds to every team’s pit and expect a pat in back or handshake until they reach you. When they lose, be the first one there, with a drink, a smile and words of encouragement.
The question I’m often asked is “if I feel nervous when my husband is racing?” No I don’t. I know my husband quite well that I know he will not race recklessly.
Last year my son, Arthur, the namesake of the late racing legend grandfather Arthur Tuason, started racing. I have transitioned from cool, glamorous often-pleasant fixtures in the track to a jittery, hormonal and often avoided force to reckon with. I will probably put any soccer mom to shame.
He was 12, a little late specially for a son of a race car driver and founder of a racing school. The moment he reached 8, everybody expected him to go racing. But at that moment, he was more interested in Pokemon cards. Every year questions stay the same, but he would be more interested in toys that are the current favorites.
Last year, he joined a program called Champions of the Future (COF), which is a grassroots level karting for kids. Starting them young also means they can go further. The more kids in this basic “cadet” class means healthier competition and a bigger chance of developing a potential World Champion.
He wasn’t the fastest to the frustration of the father and uncle Mike (Tuason), who made lots of champion racers both in karts and cars. We tried as hard as we could not to show our distress and always told him, we are proud of him, and as long as he is happy, we are happy. We just want him to do the best that he can do.
This year, with more dedication, he started to change. He was no longer the kid who is happy to stay behind somebody else. He practiced hard. On the first race of the season, never in my entire life was I so jittery and nervous for any race, It was a mixture of good feeling that my son had a fighting chance of winning on a fair fight and nagging sensation in my heart…what if he losses? He and his Dad worked so hard, how do I help them with their disappointment? (It’s not like we can drown our sorrows in booze) So the races started, and I was so surprised with my son’s development that it didn’t matter if he would win or not (of course I wouldn’t mind a first place) He was in his element and was doing his best. Not only have I seen how this whole exercise made my son more confident and more close to his father. Before, they would not see eye to eye and more often fight but the time spent on the track has become one of the most important character-building experiences for both of them.
Quick Facts
When, where, what and how should your kids start racing?
A good age to start is about 7 or 8 for karting. As we mentioned there is COF (09399375748) for kids ages 7-13, it’s a good starting point to see if your kid like it with out investing a lot of money on it. There are also several karting teams that can start older kids such as AUTS Racing Team (09188031036) and Industria (09178991720). We recommend that you start your kids in a karting clinic so that they will first learn safety skills and procedure. You want your kids first foray into racing a memorable and enjoyable experience.
There are several fun kart facilities in the Philippines, there is KartTrak Boomland (09228858423) in Manila, Global Karting at Westgate, Alabang ( 09399375744), Kartzone in Cebu(032 4222782), Kart Track @Embarcadero in Legaspi City (8211000) and Kart Trak at Enchanted Kingdom (09228858412). In Cavite, the Carmona Circuit Philippines (092322891800), which is about two hours away from Makati, is the venue for big races in the country. Both BRC and Clark Circuits offer fun kart rental as well, though not as recommended as a starting point.
What to expect when they are racing
The clinic cost will push you back about P4500 to P8500. When your kid gets bitten the by the bug, get ready. The COF program offers a package at a subsidized cost (they are supported by AAP and the Philippine Karting Association) for their race series, you have an option to either rent (about P80,000) or buy (about P140,000-P160,000). Most of the teams offer arrive and drive program for the National Series, charging about P30,000-P60,000 for basic services. Parts, wear and tear, engine tuning are all added cost.
Joys & heartbreaks
At the end of the day, there will only be one winner. It gets a little frustrating when you see your kid getting off the kart with his head down. But stand firm because this builds character. Like any sport, racing teaches kids to be resilient and determined, a trait you would want to them to keep all throughout life. It also teaches them how to rise up after defeat and work harder, although winning the trophy is the ultimate goal, it is the challenges and accomplishment in spite of, that makes a champion.
For comments, suggestions, topics or people you want to see featured in Chicdriven please email to jnt@tuasonracing.com. Chosen emails will get a Gift certificate at Antonio’s Restaurant in Tagaytay plus a tire wrench from Toptul.