After a stellar debut season that saw him round out the podium on a regular basis, Miguel Quiñones was named as the 2023 SEAOIL Radical Challenge Philippines Rookie of the Year. He also went on to secure the Vice Champion title finishing 2nd in the standings behind Iñigo Anton.
The trophies were presented during the Awards Night Ceremony last 30th of November held at the Mansions Sports Bar & Lounge in Makati City. Miguel received both accolades with much enjoyment and gratitude to those who have been behind him since the start of his motorsports journey.
To say the least, Miguel saw his first season racing a Radical SR1 to be “challenging,” as he recalls what it was like driving a race car with real downforce. Nevertheless, he took these challenges to heart and did his best to drive with focus and precision.
This was shown early on as Miguel made a splash in his debut—highlighted by his 3rd place finish during Race 2 of the season opener back in July. His adjustments towards the new machinery was accomplished early as Miguel detailed, “As touring cars are front-wheel drive, go-karts and Radical SR1’s are both rear-wheel drive—the similarities can come with the engine and the machine’s size.”
The former Karter of the Year awardee delivered a couple more podium finishes across the season to propel him up the championship ladder even further. Miguel then drove to a couple of 2nd place finishes during the season ender, which allowed him to conclude the year as Vice Champion and earn the Rookie of the Year title in tow.
Reminiscing on a triumphant debut season, Miguel shares his biggest factors that helped him throughout the season. “Practicing and figuring out the best possible ways to make our car as fast as it can,” he confidently said.
As he brings home some hardware from his first season in the SEAOIL Radical Challenge Philippines, Miguel extends his gratitude to the organizers expressing, “Thanks to them for spearheading an amazing series especially since the Radical Challenge series is still brand new in the Philippines and also for their dedication to help and make things enjoyable for everyone.” He also thanked his team DRQ Motorsports for their dedication to make the car as fast as possible, allowing him to become as fast as he could be, as well as to his manager and team owner, and parents, Oro and Maria Quiñones, for their unbelievable support.
Miguel Quiñones is sponsored by RZQ The Aesthetic Surgery Clinic, RZQ Aesthetic Medicine Institute, Derma Medica, and Wuerth Philippines.
