Dr. Q Motorsports karter Miguel Quiñones headed to the opening round of the 2020 IAME X30 Philippines following 2 productive race outings in Malaysia and Indonesia earlier this year. With a renewed confidence, the 16-year-old slugged it out at the freshly-renovated Carmona Race Track (CRT) to successfully score an X30 Senior Class podium over the double-header weekend.

Miguel was one of the quickest karters on track during the X30 Senior Time Trials as he set a 1:00.208 best, which was only 0.148 secs off pole position. He then clocked the fastest lap in the Pre Finals to finish 3rd onboard a brand new #45 Kosmic Kart. A bent steering rod, however, prevented him from challenging for the lead in the Round 1 Finals, yet managed to hold onto 3rd when the chequered flag dropped after 14 grueling laps.

Now aiming for a better result, Miguel was again on attack mode in Round 2 that afternoon. But those hopes were dashed when contact with another karter pushed him off course and dropped him down the order. With luck on his side, he was able to rejoin the race and catch up to 5th. It was just unfortunate that Miguel didn’t get another chance to challenge for a win after the Finals were cancelled due to a strong downpour.

Miguel Quiñones: “The race weekend was full of ups and downs, but at least I know that I now have the speed to be with the front runners. It was also a nice experience to drive on the new, extended layout of the Carmona Race Track for the very first time. I want to thank my parents for their never ending support, my mechanics who did an amazing job for setting up the kart, and John Dizon for coaching me this weekend.”

Miguel Quiñones is sponsored by RZQ The Aesthetic Surgery Clinic, RZQ Aesthetic Medicine Institude, AMI Medispa and Beauty Products, St. Francis Animal Bite Center, and Brent International School.

[Photos by Bong Boado]