Ryan Sy played to his strengths to land consecutive podiums in the Heats and Pre-Finals at the 2024 Macau Kart Grand Prix. However, despite his commanding performance, his luck would run out in the all-important Finals that sadly earned him a DNF.
Driving the blue-liveried #179 Gillard kart, Ryan was quick right out of the box around the 1.2 km Coloane Karting Track. He was 1 of only 2 drivers to lap under the 50 secs mark during the Time Trials and was only 0.016 secs slower off pole who was set by a local and WSK driver – Fion Shi.
The lone Filipino karter on the grid was right on the tail of Shi at the start of Heat 1, eventually finding a way past on lap 4 after a switchback overtake on lap 4. From then on, the 14-year-old gradually opened up a gap and ’til the chequered flag with 1.306 secs separating Ryan and Shi.
Heat 2 was a rematch for the 2 karters. But this time, Ryan had a harder time to find an opening as he didn’t quite have the same pace due to tire wear issues. A botched overtake on lap 8 did get him in front of Shi momentarily, however, it also allowed 2 other karters to get ahead before again dropping back behind Shi. It then became a sprint to the finish with Shi and Ryan regaining their original positions on the way to the finish in formation as Ryan took 2nd.
Taking his learnings from the first day of racing, Ryan now knew where to strike in the 14-lap Pre-Finals. He tailed Shi as the lights turned green and saw an opportunity again on lap 4. It was a replay of his overtake, snatching the lead with the same move on the same turn. Driving for Formula E Racing Management, Ryan later got his head down and set ever quicker times as the race went on to win with a 2.083 secs advantage while setting the fastest lap of the race.
Now starting from pole position, Ryan had the best opportunity to enjoy a lights-to-flag victory in the 18-lap Finals. He got off to a quick start and immediately came under attack. Soaking up all the pressure, Ryan skillfully defended his position and held onto the lead. Unfortunately, his dream race quickly turned into a nightmare after he was forced to pull off to the side of the road on lap 7. An electrical issue ended his race in an instant, forcing Ryan to watch from the sidelines and come home empty handed.
Ryan Sy: “I feel satisfied with my performance in Macau. Although it’s disappointing that I wasn’t able to finish the Finals, I had a significant improvement in my race craft. I was able to overtake, defend, and follow the other drivers almost effortlessly. I’m taking all the lessons from Macau and ready to fight again in my next race.”
Ryan Sy is supported by Formula E Racing Management in collaboration with PCRC, Motul Philippine Distributor – Infiniteserv Int’l, BELL, Domuschola International School, Max888, and Wraptech.
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