 |
Allan Uy
Hope amidst decay
Long before becoming Goodyear's Bayani ng Kalsada for 2006, Larry Mendiola had already earned the respect of his motoring peers. Many remain in awe of this friendly man with extraordinary four-wheel-drive skills
Words by Paulo Rafael T. Subido; Photography by Alfred Mendoza; Shot on location at Motor Image Pilipinas' showroom
There are many misconceptions about being a professional karter. Contrary to what many believe, this is one of the most expensive motor sports to get into, especially today. Some teams spend close to a million pesos to be competitive during one race weekend alone. "Karting is so expensive; it is for the rich," laughs karting champion Allan Uy, but with a tinge of remorse. "Sad to say, but that is the truth."
Thus, Allan's story is like a Cinderella dream. He happily admits that he is a low-budget racer, and he is frank in admitting that he can't afford to buy a kart and maintain it for competition. The breaks just came his way, and this is why he is happy to share the knowledge that he has gained on the track with the younger karters.
Familiar names like Michele and Mark Bumgarner, Matteo Guidicelli, Alessandra Madrigal and Indy Villalon have all been under his tutelage during the beginnings of their respective careers. All have become champions, and Allan is proud.
"I am old na. I want to share my techniques with the young ones, so that they can raise the Philippine flag abroad. Matagal ko nang dream 'yan, to go up to the podium, hawak ko 'yung flag. Ang sarap ng feeling." Allan garnered first place in Kota Bharu, Malaysia, last year, competing in the Rotax Max Challenge. He was then offered a seat with Swiss Hutless (an international kart manufacturer) based in Switzerland, but with the opportunity to race with our colors. He would go to Malaysia once a month to race, but schedules didn't pan out. Unfortunately, Allan wasn't able to make it to the world finals because he missed a few races. But what an amazing feat.
"There are young drivers that are better than me. Kung ako na sponsoran at my age in a different country, what more sila in the future?" This is where Allan's frustration lies, as the atmosphere in the local karting scene has become less than conducive for nurturing younger talents.
Stories of bribery and aggression on and off the track have been circulating in local dailies. The motoring community is also aware of the hostility of some teams, and there are instances when members of the governing body have been issued death threats. What parent would want their young ones to be exposed to that kind of intimidation? Politics, it seems, has gotten way out of hand. "Maraming kids have a big future in motor sports," communicates Allan, "but if the situation is like that, mawawalan sila ng gana. There are really good drivers out there, even better than the likes of Tyson Sy. Sayang lang if mawawala sila. Sabi ng mga magulang: 'Let's stop na or we will just get into trouble'."
"I can say," shares Allan, "the soul of karting, nabawasan. There are people who were so into it and loved racing, but now that everyone has so much money, intimidation is a factor na. Sobra ang politics. Even the ones who sanction the races can't do anything because the people around them are so powerful and influential. Sobrang iba na talaga."
This is truly the dark side, and things are dismal. The only solution that Allan sees is for the governing body and the track owners to take control so that the sport can grow. The situation isn't right anymore. Things are a far cry from the good old days.
"I just got lucky," he recounts. "In my first year, I was quite fast na. Then I heard about the National Karting Series. Mike Potenciano, owner of the MP Turbo team, sponsored me. It was there that I was able to race and make a name," he says. "That was in 1996 and para kaming artista! When we visited the provinces, anything could happen, and they did!"
Among the participants, the series was also known as the "National Pleasure Tour". But put the shenanigans aside and many racers agree that it was a great time to be a karter. "People were joining the races because sobra 'yung camaraderie, sobrang saya," Allan adds. "On the track, it is serious racing, but off the track, walang personalan. I'm sure everybody who joined remembers those years. Ang saya!"
This is Allan's message for all the young ones: "If you are still young, it is okay to have your parents with you. But when you become good and your parents want to be part of your success, that is when they will step in. Also, consider that just because you have a lot of money, that can't assure you that you will be a winner. There are drivers out there with secondhand equipment who are better and can be faster. Lastly, even though you are a champion and you think you are the best, don't think you know everything. There is always something to be learned, on every corner and in every situation. Keep your mind open and tell yourself that today you will learn something new, even if you are all alone on the track."
Post your opinion in our Top Gear Forum!
Top Gear Philippines - January-February 2008
|
|
Top Gear's informative, entertaining and readable
guide to every new car on
sale. Search Car
Download these wallpapers
right to your desktop.
Download
|
|
