Text and photo by Tracy Cabrera
Nocom eyes world No. 1 spot in Italy karting showdown
By Tracy Cabrera
MANILA — Filipino karting sensation Mariano “Axel” Nocom is one victory away from achieving a historic milestone as he prepares for the final round of the prestigious Champions of the Future series from November 13 to 15 in Italy.
Currently ranked No. 2 among 35 competitors, the young Filipino driver is determined to capture the overall championship and bring international recognition to Philippine motorsports.
The season-ending race will be held at the challenging Franciacorta Karting Track, officially known as the Porsche Experience Center, in Castrezzato, Brescia, in northern Italy.
Despite competing against some of the world’s most promising young drivers, many of whom are from Europe and have greater access to training facilities, Nocom has proven that Filipino talent can hold its own on the international stage.
“I want to make our nation proud. May pressure, but I’m carrying the hopes of our nation. If I win this, I can make a name for myself,” Nocom said during his appearance at the Philippine Sportswriters Association Forum at the Philippine Sports Commission media room.
He described Champions of the Future as the highest level of karting competition, featuring young racers whom he believes could eventually become Formula One drivers.
Nocom’s campaign has been marked by impressive performances and difficult setbacks. He finished second in the opening leg in Spain before suffering a crash in Greece despite securing pole position on the second day of competition.
He bounced back with a third-place finish in the third leg in Italy, narrowly trailing a driver from the Mercedes development program.
But it was in the fourth leg in Spain where Nocom made history, beating 34 rivals to become the first Filipino karter to win a round of the series.
That victory has strengthened his confidence heading into the decisive race.
“I represent the Philippines all around the world, and I’m very proud of that. I want to be number one in the world,” he said.
His father, Michael Nocom, revealed that financial limitations have forced the family to find alternative ways to keep Axel competitive with foreign rivals.
While other racers can spend as much as half a million pesos on European training trips, Axel relies heavily on simulator sessions six days a week.
He also attends online classes, works out at the gym, runs around their village and practices at the Carmona circuit, where he also helps teach young karters as young as five years old.
Michael believes the combination of discipline, determination and simulator training has helped his son develop the skills needed to compete internationally.
With the overall title within reach, Axel now has one more opportunity to prove that a Filipino driver can stand at the top of the world’s karting circuit.
The PSA Forum was presented by the PSC, Philippine Olympic Committee, San Miguel Corporation, MILO and ArenaPlus.
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