Racelis emerges as 2025 Mini ROK Expert overall champion

Racing prodigy Antonio “Anton” Racelis claimed the title of the Mini ROK Expert Class, marking the end of the year’s karting season with a remarkable story of triumph and tenacity.

Aside from being named as Mini ROK Expert overall champion, Racelis will also awarded as the Mini ROK Karter of the Year at the Golden Wheel Awards in February next year.

The young driver, known for his speed and maturity, navigated a demanding season of close competition and dramatic setbacks to claim the sport’s highest national honor for his class.

Hailing from Lipa City, Batangas, 10-year-old Racelis has been competing professionally since the age of seven. His championship run in the ROK GP Cup Philippine Series was a true test of character, overcoming not only fierce rivals but also unexpected challenges.

The season culminated in a dramatic final round at the Carmona Racing Track. With the points lead tight, the final race was crucial, but an approaching typhoon forced race officials to stop the event and declare a force majeure.

The title was ultimately sealed by consistent excellence in the qualifying rounds. Racelis secured the third spot in the Time Trial, third in Qualifying Heat 1, and fourth in Qualifying Heat 2, earning enough consolidated points to win the final round and clinch the overall championship.

Despite the trials, the consistent effort and unwavering teamwork of BRacing Development allowed the team to prevail. Racelis specifically credited mechanic Michael Angelo Tabarno, head mechanic Engineer Jose Leonzo Hernandez, and Coach Rafael Perez, who emphasized that racing success depends as much on attitude as it does on speed.

Just last month, Racelis secured a spot as an official Filipino qualifier in his category for the prestigious ROK Cup Superfinal 2025 in Lonato, Italy. Racelis wasted no time stepping onto international stage where he tested his skills against the world’s best at the demanding South Garda Karting.

The event marked the biggest challenge yet for the young champion, pitting him against an elite field of 50 drivers from across the globe in his category. It was an ultimate test of speed, strategy, and resilience on one of the world’s most renowned karting tracks.

A major moment of pride came in the qualifying heats, where he powered his way to an impressive fourth place finish in one of the highly competitive races. 

Racelis successfully navigated the preliminary rounds, achieving his primary goal of qualifying for the Final event.  He ultimately concluded the Superfinal in a respectable 27th place overall against the deeply talented field.

“Racing with such a strong and competitive group of drivers was an amazing experience that taught me a lot and made me even more motivated to improve,” Racelis said.

His father, Anthony Racelis, added that they will continue supporting him as he zoom to greater heights.

“Having successfully completed the global gauntlet in Lonato, Anton returned to the Philippines with invaluable international experience, fueling his drive toward future global motorsport ambitions,” the elder Racelis said.  

“We support him all the way.”