Motorsports truly run through the veins of the Quiñones family with siblings Miguel and Shasha spending most of the year racing on track. But for 2 very special weekends this October, they’ll be competing a few thousand kilometers away from the usual events in the Philippines for the karting world finals in Italy.
Older brother Miguel is one busy driver this 2021. He officially moved up to touring cars and race for Obengers Racing in the Toyota GAZOO Racing Vios Cup. Although he missed the first event, it’s also confirmed that he’s entering the Giti Formula V1 Championship this year.
Now, he’s going back to his roots in karting as he has earned a slot in the renowned Rok Cup Superfinal. Taking place from the 13th to 16th of October at the South Garda Karting Circuit, the event’s massive entry list run into the hundreds making it a real test of nerves for the 18-year-old. Miguel’s category in Senior Rok in particular already has 67 entries alone and he needs to put on a strong performance if he wants to make it into the Finals come Saturday.
As if that’s not tough enough, he’ll have to do it all over again less than a week later. Miguel will only have 2 days after the Rok Cup Superfinal to pack his belongings, travel 2 hours east of Italy, and make it into the IAME Warriors Final from the 18th to 23rd of October at the Adria International Raceway. He’ll be up against 340 of the best IAME drivers worldwide. What makes this special occasion extra special though is that he’ll be sharing the track with his younger sister Shasha.
An accomplished karter herself, the 17-year-old just recently moved up to the Senior Category and is now set to make her European race debut. The 2019 Intermediate Class Overall Champion admits that she’s still adjusting to the heavier, quicker karts but is determined to do well in Italy and show what a lady driver can do in a grid dominated by boys. Both siblings will compete with Zanchi Motorsport in X30 Senior under the Philippine flag.
The clash in schedules, however, means that Miguel will be missing the second event of the Toyota GAZOO Racing Vios Cup. His thoughts are with his team Obengers Racing as he represents the country with honor and pride in Italy.
Miguel Quiñones: “It’s good to finally be back racing abroad after about a year and a half since my last race overseas. To be honest I’m a little nervous, but excited at the same time as I’m racing in 2 back-to-back events. I always still have more to learn and this is a great opportunity for me to improve my craft. This is also my first time to race in Europe with my sister Shasha, so I’ll also be watching over her so she can do the best she can in Italy. I would like to thank my parents for their unwavering support and to the Automobile Association Philippines and Kart Plaza for giving me this opportunity.”
Shasha Quiñones: “Miguel and Dr. Q Motorsports has been helping me a lot these past few months to prepare for this race and I really want to do well. I’m looking forward to learn from the new experience. My goal is to be able to drive competitively in a big grid and get better in overtaking. I would like to thank my family for giving my brother and I the opportunity to compete in Italy and the whole team for helping me grow and improve in this sport.”
