At only 12-years-old, Axel Nocom is already a 3x back-to-back national MiniRok champion. He won the title in ’20, ’21, and again in ’22. Although he’s still eligible to compete in the class this year, it’s about time for the young Filipino to step up his game. And what a big step he’s taking as he confirms entry into the 2024 Champions of The Future (COTF) Academy Program in OK-N Junior.
Organized by RGMMC, the Champions of The Future Academy Program is a newly-launched series that allows drivers from around the globe to showcase their talent on equal machinery. Its goal is to provide more diverse racing opportunities, open doors for aspiring drivers, and make karting more accessible in new markets. The event runs 3 categories, Mini 60, OK-N Junior, and OK-N Senior. OK-N Junior, where Axel will run in, uses identical chassis supplied by Kart Republic and use IAME engines. Equipment will be allocated via raffle at the start of the season to ensure an equal playing field.
As this would be Axel’s first year in Junior karts, they are expecting a steep learning curve. One of the biggest hurdles will be fitness and stamina due to the packed schedule at every weekend. Free Practice starts on Friday giving all karters a single day to learn the circuit. Qualifying, Heats, and Finals then takes place on Saturday and AGAIN on Sunday back-to-back.
The COTF Academy Program surely won’t be a walk in the park for Axel, but that’s why he’s racing there. It’s called an academy after all so that karters like him could learn. The Mercedes Young Driver Development Philippines (YDDP) graduate wants to test his abilities against the best karters in the world and learn from those who are better than him, which is something he cannot achieve locally.
Champions of The Future Academy Program 2024 Calendar
Round 1 | March 27-31 (Cremona, Italy)
Round 2 | May 10-12 (Valencia, Spain)
Round 3 | July 26-28 (Franciacorta, Italy)
Round 4 | October 4-6 (TBD, Middle East)
Round 5 | November 15-17 (TBD, UAE)
Round 6 | December 2-6 (Al Forsan, UAE)
Axel intends to enter all 6 events in the 2024 calendar that will take him to Italy and Spain for the European leg. The series then moves the Middle East for the final 3 rounds.
This requires a big investment not only in terms of monetary resources, but also in time. Both his parents will accompany Axel to the season opener at the end of March, while his studies need to be shifted online. Thankfully, there is help on the way. Formula Regional and fellow Filipino driver Zach David is providing guidance to Axel, while Zach’s mechanic during his karting days has been hired for technical support.
Although the young karter does previous experience competing overseas, such as the T4 Nations Cup in Valencia and the RMC Asia Festival in Kuala Lumpur, this will be his first foray to a full season abroad. He follows in the footsteps of fellow Filipino drivers such as Zach David, William Go, and Bianca Bustamante as they race the Philippine flag.
Axel Nocom is supported by the Mercedes Young Driver Development Philippines, Ceramic Pro, Drift Motor Speedway, Cammus Philippines, Recaro Philippines, Alaska Milk Corporation, Ekartraceway, Apex Racing Philippines, Pregame Motorsport Merchandise, DENSO, Burlington, DG Budget Hotel, and Time Attack Manila.
For more info and the latest updates, follow the Axel Motorsports page on Facebook.
[Photos by Bong Boado and Jerald Valdez]
