Ethan Ong has a big year ahead this 2024. He’s not only going regional in Senior karts, but is also stepping up into ‘single-seaters’ as he confirms entry in the Formula V1 (FV1) Challenge. And what a debut it was for the 15-year-old who went on to secure a podium finish at the Clark International Speedway (CIS).
Driving for Ethanworx Motorsports, the team saw FV1 as the perfect stepping stone for Ethan as he transitions from karting. The series provides good competition, using a cost-effective platform that helps develop driver skill and race craft. With its simple layout and central seating position, it not too far off from what Ethan currently drive. The only big change he had to contend with was learning how to shift gears.
Although getting used to a 5-speed manual box hindered Ethan during the early test sessions, his times were already on par with the front runners by Free Practice. This proved vital for Qualifying where he set the 3rd fastest time and was only 0.426 secs off pole position.
However, he encountered a slight misstep in Race 1 when Ethan spun his #75 chrome-and-blue FV1 entry going down the corkscrew. This undid all his hard work and put him dead last. But this did not deter the young talent who immediately rejoined and chased after the pack. It only took him a handful of laps to close the gap and picked off his competitors one by one. Ethan eventually wound up in 5th place overall after losing out to Thomas Day in a photo finish with only 0.244 secs separating the pair, while still being classified 3rd in the Rookie Class.
Ethan got his payback in Race 2 later that afternoon. Starting from P5, he made a pass on 2 drivers and slot into a podium spot. But under the scoring heat, his rear tires began to overheat in the closing stages and struggled for grip. This prevented him from launching an attack and improve on his position, yet still managed to maintain 3rd overall until the chequered flag to secure a podium finish on his FV1 debut.
There’s going to be a long 3 month break until the Formula V1 Challenge goes back to the track on the 29th of June, giving Ethan more than enough time to improve on his driving in an FV1.
Ethan Ong is sponsored by Auto Vault Speed Shop the distributor of Modesta Premium Glass Coatings, Autozkin Paint Protection, Repsol Philippines, Powel Chemicals, Fremuff, Tagaytay Viewpark Hotel, Siglo Modern Filipino, JRJ Windows and Doors, Pierre’s Reserve, and Devil’s Burger.
For more info and updates, Like the Ethan Motorsports page on Facebook and follow @ethan.ong.racing on Instagram.
[Photos by Matt Romualdez Photography]
