ALL eyes are set on the defending champion and no. 1 seed—the Philippine duo of Milo Rivera and Carlos Anton as they plunge into action in the second leg of the 2017 FIA Asian Auto Gymkhana Championship in Incheon, Korea.
The three-time National Slalom Champion Rivera and eight-time Driver of the Year Anton will be pitting guts and skills against 32 of the best Slalom/Gymkhana drivers from all over the region—and the world—in the competition set on Aug. 19 and 20.
Rivera, who is the reigning and defending individual champion, said that it will be a very challenging race ahead.
“Winning last year’s championship was already a very steep mountain to climb. Now that we are the main targets this year, the added pressure will surely be an additional hurdle to overcome. But with God’s grace, I’m confident that we will still be a favorite to win it all once again,” said Rivera, who is backed by Blade Auto Center Philippines, United Auctioneers Inc., and Placewell International Services, Corp.
Not only did Rivera capture the 2016 overall individual crown, he also helped carry the country, alongside the veteran Anton, to win the 2016 overall team title as well.
Backed by Castrol, Yokohama, and Cars Unlimited by Mark Young, Anton said that this race will certainly not be a walk-in-the-park. “Repeating as champions will definitely be a special achievement if successful, but the process and the way getting there will be very difficult. We will be ready to gun for it again, that’s for sure, but we should never overlook the talent and preparations of the other countries—more so Japan and Indonesia,” said the multi-titled Anton.
The much sought-after tandem will be raising the Philippine flag under the support and leadership of the Automobile Association Philippines —the country’s governing body for 4-Wheel Motorsports.
“Milo and Carlos have made, and continue to make waves in the local and international racing scene. And as they defend their Gymkhana crown, we wish them the best of luck. We are optimistic that we will retain the title,” said the Motorsports Committee Chairman Jose Armando Eduque. “We wish them the best of luck as well!”