Axel Nocom made recent history by becoming one of the first Filipino drivers to compete at the FIA Motorsport Games. Entering the Karting Sprint Junior category, he battled against a strong 36-kart grid at the Aspar Circuit in Valencia, Spain to come home with an 11th place finish for the Philippines.
The Mercedes Young Driver Development Program (YDDP) karter was immediately on pace during Free Practice despite the changing weather conditions. Showing consistent results, he was P12 at best on a damp track giving him confidence ahead of Qualifying. The grid of 36 was then split into 2 groups where Axel set the 11th fastest time in his session and was only 0.430 secs off pole. However, as the results were combined, he would be relegated to P21 on the grid.
With each country’s pride at stake, the entire field jockeyed for position right at the start of Heat 1. But disaster immediately ensued with a multi-kart pile up taking out 8 drivers on the opening lap. Luckily, Axel managed to avoid the carnage and continued on. He then drove a safe, clean race to finish in 20th position.
But trouble befell the Filipino karter come Heat 2. Axel got hit from behind heading into Turn 1 and dropped to dead last. He then spent the next 9 laps clawing back lost places to end in a lowly 27th place.
Eager to turn things around, Axel notched his best result in Heat 3. The 12-year-old was locked in a tight battle and traded places at almost every lap, eventually crossing the line in P21. But after penalties were handed out for several drivers, Axel was promoted to 15th place.
Now starting from P19 in the all-important Finals, Axel made a clean start and held position in the early stages of the race. He then capitalized on several incidents that involved other karters to move himself 4 position up. With only a few laps to go, he was part of a 4-kart tussle for P15 to eventually take the chequered flag in P16. While other karters received drop bumper penalties after the race, Axel’s clean driving was later rewarded with 11th in the official results.
Meanwhile, his fellow Filipino compatriot Prix Trivino rounded up a very memorable FIA Motorsport Games in 25th place in the Karting Sprint Senior category.
Although both Axel and Prix weren’t able to bring home any silverware, representing the Philippines on the world stage is already an achievement in itself. Even more so because they were able to put up a solid fight against some of the best international karters, instead of just hanging around at the back of the grid. Through a collaboration between Mercedes YDDP and DRIFT MOTOR Racing Team, with coach Mike Nocom, this wouldn’t have been possible if both karters didn’t spend the entire season competing around the globe, which prepared them for this big event. Also contributing to their success is fellow Filipino and Formula Regional driver Zach David (and his dad Jeff) who provided assistance and insight on competing overseas.
Axel Nocom: “We may not have gotten a medal, but we had a great experience. I learned many things on this track with unique apex and exit curbs. Patience was the key for me in this race as I found the midfield to be very aggressive. So, I had to be conservative and finished just 11 secs behind the leader in the 18-lap final.”
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]