Seven-year-old Max Trinidad proudly brought home a silver trophy from the IAME Series Philippines 2024, which took place at City Kart Racing in Porac, Pampanga on March 24, 2024.
Max Trinidad, a rising star in the Cadet Go-Kart division, started go-karting at years old. After just two months of training with Team BRE of the Pacho Blanco Race Engineering group, he made his racing debut in the Bambino category. From 2022 to 2023, Max consistently showcased his talent by clinching gold, silver, and bronze trophies.
Despite his young age, Max was taught to navigate the track swiftly and make split-second decisions on the racecourse. Maneuvering through turns while balancing gas and brake pedals demands sharp reflexes, mental acuity, and unwavering focus. Mastering the racing line was just one aspect of his training; karting instilled in him values like discipline, determination, and perseverance both on and off the track.
Participating in motorsport racing demands courage and grit, qualities that Max honed under the guidance of Coach Pacho Blanco. Through meticulous monitoring of lap times and the constant pursuit of improvement, Max quickly mastered the art of racing lines.
Being tall like his father, Ronnie Trinidad, a media content creator for AutoCar PH, Max faced a unique challenge due to his height and weight. His heavier stature posed a disadvantage on straightaways, making it harder for him to match the speed of lighter competitors. In the cadet division, Max grapples with the ongoing challenge of growth and weight gain. Despite his 4-kilo disadvantage, he has learned to use his weight to his advantage, particularly in navigating hairpin turns with finesse.
The IAME Series Philippines Cadet Division is designed for young racers between the ages of 7 and 12, providing them with up to 5 years to hone their skills and grow as competitors. Max, a promising young driver, has the potential to excel in the sport, and his father is already considering moving him up to the junior go-kart category if he continues to progress at a rapid pace.
For Max, go-karting is not just a hobby, but a passion that allows him to connect with others and develop his character. He considers himself fortunate to have the opportunity to participate in such an exciting sport at such a young age, and he is determined to improve his skills every time he hits the track.
Achieving this victory is a significant milestone for Max, and he is eager to continue racing in the coming years, striving for success and growth in the sport he loves.
The next round of the IAME Series Philippines 2024 is on April 13-14, 2024.