Filipino motorsports driver Mark Bernales of Cagayan de Oro City won First Place Overall in the premier Individual Category at 2019 Asia Auto Gymkhana Championship (AAGC) held in South Korea.
Mark Bernales bagged the Gold in the individual round competitions held on September 1 at the Inje Speedium.
Bernales also picked up the bronze for 3rd place with partner Estefano Rivera in the doubles competition.
Mark Bernales’ feat is a come-from-behind win as he was trailing behind at 10th place during the Qualifying matches. He eventually bested racers from the different Asian countries that included top qualifier Korea, Taiwan, and Indonesia.
Bernales and Rivera along with Filipina racer Hazel Ramirez trained in the Automobile Association Philippines Motorsport Development Program (AAP-MSDP) where young Filipino aspiring racers are honed into developing their talents and skills in car racing.
In a Motoring Today interview, Bernales shared how surprised he was when he was selected to represent the Philippines for the event, saying, “Sinabihan ako ni Coach Ivan Isada na sasali ako sa AAGC. Nagulat ako, parang hindi ako makapaniwala. Sinabi ko na Grabe. Grabe ‘to. I’m so honored na magrepresent ng Philippines (When I was told by Coach Ivan Isada that I was going to represent the Philippines at AAGC, I was surprised. I couldn’t believe it. I said this was extreme. I’m so honored to represent the Philippines at AAGC.)”
When asked about his plans, the grateful Bernales said, “Sa ngayon, tutulungan ko talaga ‘yung AAP-MSDP kasi do’n talaga ako galing. ‘Yung default driving ko, ‘yung teaching nila, ‘yung na-experience ko, i-share ko lahat sa MSDP students. ‘Yun talaga ‘yung mission ko ngayon (For now I will help AAP-MSDP because that is my home. I will share to MSDP students my default driving, what I learned, what I experienced).”
Filipino motorsport racing enthusiasts have also been competing at the Vios Cup at the Clark International Speedway.
SEND congratulations in the comments below to Mark Bernales and Team Philippines of the AAP MSDP for showcasing Filipino racing talents in South Korea’s AAGC!
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