After securing the Junior titles in both Rok GP Cup and Rotax Max Philippines last year, Ryan Sy now shifts his focus to competing overseas in 2024. His most recent outing was at the Rok Cup Thailand where he powered through a strong 20-kart grid and secured a Top 10 finish at the Bira International Karting Circuit in Pattaya.
Ryan was only 1 of 2 karters from the Philippines in the Junior Rok GP category that weekend. Although it was his first time around the 1.321 km track, that was the least of his problems. The 14-year-old encountered repeated engine issues, which severely limited his run time and put a slight dent on his confidence.
His engine seized during Official Practice, then again during Warm Up on race day. This explains why he only completed a single lap during the session ended up dead last in the time sheets.
Making the most out of the situation, Ryan salvaged P18 in Qualifying, finished 18th in the Heat, and improved one position up in the 14-lap Pre Finals to end up in 17th place. It was far from the results he’s used to, but the karter from Formula E Racing Management simply refused to give up.
Keeping his mind clear and putting all previous setbacks behind him, Ryan was able to get his head down during the all-important Finals. Everything worked flawlessly as he pushed his #179 Falcon kart to its limits and fought for position around the tight and twisty track. Ryan muscled his way through the field and gained 6 positions in the process. Driving for Formula E Racing Management, he also raced with his elbows out and held the competition at bay.
Not giving an inch, Ryan drove 17 solid laps to take the chequered flag 10th in Junior Rok GP, delivering results from what was a difficult race weekend.
Ryan Sy: “The competition was really tight and fierce at Bira. Everyone’s time was really close and it made racing very enjoyable. Although we had engine issues and it was my first time to use a Falcon chassis and Maxxis tires, I realized that I just had to push on and keep on driving. By keeping my focus, I was able to climb a number of positions in the Finals and get a good result.”
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. For more info and updates, Like the Ryan Sy Racing page on Facebook and follow @ryan_sy_racing on Instagram.
[Photos courtesy of Rok Cup Thailand]
