AAP Visits Growee Karting Clinic Showdown and Cammus Philippines Season 2 Race

A Drift Motor Speedway karting driver stops for a photo op before taking to the track. —CONTRIBUTED

In pursuit of its commitment to promote the local motorsports scene, the Automobile Association Philippines has formed a partnership with Drift Motor Speedway (DMS).

On February 8, AAP attended the Growee Karting Clinic Showdown & Cammus Philippines Season 2 Race at the flagship branch of DMS in Taytay.

The race consisted of three categories: the Bambino category, the Cadet category, and the Intermediate category. Racers as young as three years old competed in their respective categories, proving their karting prowess.

AAP Chief Executive Officer Mark Desales gave a special speech prior to the race, highlighting that the future of the local motorsport scene looks bright. He added a surprise announcement: that AAP will allot two slots for DMS drivers to compete in the upcoming Sri Lanka FIA Motorsport Championship, set to happen in the second quarter of the year.

Drift Motor Speedway Owner GM Bugayong (left) and AAP Chief Executive Officer Mark Desales, who delivered the opening speech at the Growee Karting Clinic Showdown. Desales gifted Bugayong AAP’s coffee table book FAST LANE which covers the history of Philippine motorsport. —CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

In starting DMS, owner and CEO GM Bugayong asked himself this question: What if we made a facility that caters to the family, and at the same time, creates a competitive environment in a very special manner?

Bugayong has more than 20 years of experience in motorsport. He holds the “2002 Driver of the Year” title awarded by the Philippine Drag Racing Federation.

Though DMS has only been around for two years, Bugayong is already proud of the fact that they have the privilege of teaching young children the fascinating world of karting. Within those two years, DMS has already built a successful roster of “wonderkids” who have competed in both national and international races. Just last year, his team placed 5th out of 31 other countries in the T4 National Cup held in Spain.

In the long run, Bugayong aims to continue training children as young as three years old, and strives to be one of the most notable grassroot training facilities for motorsport in the Philippines. “I hope to see my students eventually graduate to different motorsport disciplines. I strongly believe that it is key to nurture this talent—mixing it with passion.” Bugayong says.

You can check out the lineup of events that Drift Motor Speedway is offering on their Facebook page @driftmotorspeedway. Visit their flagship branch at Valley Fair Town Center, Ortigas Avenue Ext., Taytay.