Dynamic duo Axel Nocom and Kraige Berdos made Mercedes Young Driver Development Philippines proud after achieving a 1-2 finish at the recently-concluded Asian Karting Open Championship (AKOC) and MiniRok XCS Series double header at the Clark International Speedway – Kart Track.
The 11-year-old boys showcased their teamwork through the races, allowing both of them to score full points and maintain their lead in the championship. Meanwhile, fellow Mercedes karter Reign Alojado also showed his potential over the weekend. At only 8-years-old, he was the youngest karter on the grid yet delivered consistent results in all the sessions.
Axel and Kraige began their dominant run in Heat 1. Starting from the second row of the grid, they drove a smooth and steady race before Axel made a last lap lunge for the lead. This also allowed his teammate to slip through, giving the young standouts the top 2 spots at the finish with Kraige and his #99 kart crossing the line ahead of Axel.
It was just unfortunate that Axel spun out in Heat 2 after making contact with rival Andretti Santos that dropped them both to the back. This left Kraige to fight at the front where held his own throughout the 7-lap race to secure 2nd.
Using his extensive experience, Axel was able to bounce back in an eventful Heat 3. He hounded Santos for the lead and was nose-to-tail all the way to the end. Although he was not able to find a safe way past, it was a close finish with Axel finishing a mere 0.086 secs behind in 2nd. Kraige, on the other hand, took a slight step back and was 5th at the finish.
The teammates really put their foot down during the Pre Finals. With a carefully planned strategy, Axel and Kraige pushed right from the get go throughout the 9-lap race. They were untouchable and easily opened up a gap, earning Kraige 1st and Axel 2nd with a considerable 3.047 secs advantage from the rest of the pack. Reign and his #26 kart also secured a spot on the MiniRok Novice Class podium in 4th.
It was a repeat performance from the Mercedes duo at the Finals, except this time Axel truly flexed why he’s a 3-time MiniRok champion. In the course of 13 laps, he was able to build a huge 8.089 secs lead to claim a solid win. Kraige was behind him across the finish as he was battled for 2nd place.
With their string of 1-2 finishes, Axel Nocom stretches his MiniRok lead in the AKOC to 70 points, while Kraige Berdos is in 2nd with 52. In the MiniRok XCS Series, Axel leads with 301 points and Kraige in 2nd with 269 as the 2023 season reaches its halfway point.
Mercedes Young Driver Development Philippines is supported by Motul Infiniteserv International, Alpinestars, Alaska Milk Corporation, Recaro Philippines, DENSO, SKRATCH LABS Energy Bar, and WrapTeck.
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[Photos by Bong Boado]
