Shaniah (aka Shasha) Quiñones was the one lady amongst all the Junior Class karters at the 2020 IAME X30 Philippines’ curtain raiser last March 7/8. But that didn’t stop the 15-year-old from putting up a fight against the boys that would earn her a spot on the podium.

The Dr. Q Motorsports karter utilized the early practice sessions to learn the newly-renovated Carmona Race Track (CRT). Despite the limited track time, she mustered enough confidence to set the 3rd fastest lap during the Time Trials in the #48 Kosmic Kart. Things, however, got off to a rocky start after a mistake caused her to spin during the Pre Finals of Round 1 and ended up dead last. But with help from her coaches, she was able to overcome the slight setback at the all-important Finals. Clean, consistent driving over the course 14 laps allowed her to climb to a Top 4 finish when the chequered flag dropped.

This landed Shasha another podium, mirroring her impressive results at the Asian Karting Open Championship (AKOC) a month ago in Indonesia where she claimed 3rd.

Sadly, her strong momentum was put on hold after a torrential downpour forced organizers to cancel the afternoon race of the double header weekend. This leaves with her with no choice but to wait until the next IAME X30 Philippines event on April 4/5, which coincides with the AKOC’s second leg also at the Carmona Race Track.

Shasha Quiñones: “There were some challenges as this was my first time racing at Carmona. I made some mistakes, but I never lost hope and never gave up. I just stayed calm and focused on my driving, so am really happy to finish on the podium. I would like to thank kuya John Dizon for helping me understand the track and improve my driving, as well as my brother Miguel for practicing with me. I also couldn’t have done it without my parents, especially my father who put in his time and effort just so that we could continue doing what we love, Papa Jesus, our mechanics kuya Junior, kuya Allan, and the rest of the crew. Thank you for the great weekend and looking forward to more races with them.”

Shasha Quiñones is sponsored by RZQ The Aesthetic Surgery Clinic, RZQ Aesthetic Medicine Institude, AMI Medispa and Beauty Products, St. Francis Animal Bite Center, and St. Scholastica’s College WestGrove.

[Photos courtesy of Bong Boado]a