Time Attack Manila

Nocom, Trivino to race the Philippine flag at FIA Motorsport Games 2024

Taking place every other year, the FIA Motorsport Games is roughly the motorsport equivalent of the Olympics. And ever since its inception in 2019, no driver from the Philippines has entered the prestigious event… until today. That’s because for its 2024 edition, Axel Nocom and Prix Trivino will be proudly racing the flag in Valencia, Spain this October 25/27.

12-year-old Axel is entering Karting Sprint Junior where he’ll be up against entries from 36 nations. To maintain a level playing field, everyone will drive identical FIA-supplied Kart Republic karts powered by OK-N Junior IAME engines and fitted with MOJO tires. The Mercedes Young Driver Development Program (YDDP) karter will have his hands full on Friday as he’s only given 4x 15-minute practice sessions to master his new #76 kart and learn the 2.2 km Aspar Circuit before the race weekend.

Then, he’ll have a 6-minute Qualifying session on Saturday morning to determine starting positions for the 9-lap Qualifying Heats. There’s going to be 3x Heats in total with 2 on Saturday followed by another on Sunday. But finishing order will matter the most in the 18-lap Finals where the Top 3 drivers will earn Gold, Silver, and Bronze medals, respectively.

Axel’s experience in the Champions of the Future (COTF) Academy, T4 Nations Cup, and UAE Rotax Max Challenge will prove valuable as he represents the country this weekend.

Prix, on the other hand, will fly the Philippine flag a class higher in Karting Sprint Senior. Similarly, all 36 entries here will compete on identical FIA-supplied machinery and tires. But the Heats will be 11-laps each and 22-laps for the Finals.

Much like Axel, Prix has spent the year racing in Europe where skills learned throughout 2024 will come in handy at Valencia. Both karters also received help from fellow Filipino and Formula Regional driver Zach David (and his dad Jeff) on how to navigate their way around the ins and outs of competing overseas.

Axel Nocom with 2024 Paris Olympics Gold Medalist, Carlos Yulo.

 

With support from the Automobile Association Philippines (AAP), it’s going to be an extra memorable race weekend for the 2 young karters as they officially represent the Philippines on the world stage. While being at the FIA Motorsport Games is already an achievement in itself, Axel and Prix’s ultimate goal will be to bring home the Gold much like Carlos Yulo at the 2024 Paris Olympics.

Axel Nocom is supported by the Mercedes Young Driver Development Philippines, Automobile Association Philippines, Deseño MNL, Petromax Cars, Recaro Philippines, DENSO Spark Plugs, Ceramic Pro Philippines, Ravenol Philippines, AutoPlus Sports, DRIFT XAUST, DRIFT MOTOR Speedway, Ekartraceway, Kart Republic, New Era Cap Philippines, Skullcandy Philippines, Burlington Socks, Simagic, Cammus Philippines, Apex Racing Philippines, Monza Barcade, Pregame Motorsport Merchandise, and DG Budget Hotel.

[Photos courtesy of FIA Motorsport Games]

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Time Attack Manila

Time Attack Manila

Founded in late 2013, Time Attack Manila (TAM) is the only dedicated online magazine in the Philippines that focuses on local and international motorsports.
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Time Attack Manila

Time Attack Manila

Founded in late 2013, Time Attack Manila (TAM) is the only dedicated online magazine in the Philippines that focuses on local and international motorsports.
View All Posts
Time Attack Manila