We’ve recently been made aware that, after scoring back-to-back victories at the Palawan International Circuit over the weekend, Bern Corpino has now secured 9 consecutive race wins since 2022 on home soil. His winning streak spans 2 separate championships, over 2 class divisions, done at 2 different circuits, and all accomplished over an 8 month period.
Since the venue only comes up in the calendar once a year, he and his team VS Racing Motorsports made sure to be arrive at the track a week early. This gave them ample time for testing before the Rotax Max Challenge Philippines’ double-header opening race weekend. And by doing extra homework, Bern was able to immediately top the time sheets during Saturday’s Warm Up session and clear the entire 18-kart grid by half a second per lap.
It was then a repeat performance every time Bern went out on track. Though still a rookie year in the Senior Category, he had no problems outrunning more experienced karters and consistently finished 1st in Time Trial, Qualifying Heat 1, and Qualifying Heat 2. The Finals was simply a show of dominance with Bern enjoying a lights-to-flag victory to complete a perfect Round 1.
Round 2 on Sunday, however, wasn’t as straightforward as they had hoped for due to the weather. This was Bern’s first time around the 1.300 km circuit in the wet and was caught out during Warm Up. A spin sent him crashing into the foam barriers and ended up mid-table in the results. Luckily, he and his #19 OTK kart escaped unscathed. But it was the same story all over again in the Time Trial and both Qualifying Heats with Bern finishing in front. He later concluded the dream race weekend in Palawan by winning the Finals with a 3.821 secs lead.
Bern’s streak of race victories could be traced all the way back to September of 2022. He won the Rok GP Cup triple-header at the Carmona Race Track en route to claiming the Junior Class title. The 15-year-old did it again a month later at the Rotax Max season finale, winning back-to-back rounds to become class champion. Now graduating to the Senior Category, he kicked off the 2023 season of Rok GP with a pair of wins back in March before heading to Palawan.
This remarkable karter will be eyeing for a 10th or even 11th consecutive victory when the Rotax Max Challenge Philippines resumes on July 29/30 at the Clark International Speedway Kart Track.
Bern Corpino: “It’s a great start to my Senior Category campaign in karts with 4 consecutive wins in 2023. I would like to thank our Lord God for everything that He has given me, to my biggest supporters my parents, to my coach VJ Suba, to my mechanic Jomar Suba, and to the whole VS Suba family. I will keep my head down, always be humble, and always be hungry for more!”
VJ Suba, Driver Coach: “We were lucky that Bern found good pace around the Palawan International Circuit quite quickly. He improved day-by-day at every practice session. We at VS Racing mainly help our drivers develop their skill and focus, and we’re proud of Bern for giving all his best. Congratulations on another win and looking forward to the next race!”
Bern Corpino is sponsored by Extra Joss.
For more info and the latest updates, follow Bern Corpino Racing on Facebook.
[Photos by Bong Boado]
