The racing boy wonder from Baguio, Inigo Anton, who has been constantly an honor student, has been named the Driver of the Year for 2022 in circuit racing by the country’s authority in car racing.
The Automobile Association Philippines (AAP), the national sporting authority of the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA), gave that distinction to the son of a restaurateur and dancing mentor during the 27th AAP Annual Motorsport Awards held at the World Trade Center last April 13 where the best of the best in Philippine motorsports for the year 2022 were recognized.
The 18-year old Inigo, son of multi-titled racing champ and restaurateur Carlos Anton, brought home the most awards that night because of his overall championship wins in the top classes of the Toyota Gazoo Racing Vios Cup, Philippine Grand Touring Car Championships and the fastest car race series in the country – Radical Challenge Philippines. It was a banner year for the young phenom who is clearly on a path to surpass his storied father’s career.
“I have been attending the AAP awards for 27 years now and to witness my son go up on stage for winning in different race championships in one year is quite exceptional. It is something I think has never occurred in the past,” said proud father Carlos.
“Most importantly, I thank the Lord God and Mama Mary for the protection in all our races,” said the young Anton in a speech after receiving the award. He also thanked his family, racing teams, coaches, sponsors and race organizers.
The Antons are sponsored by Mark Young Racing, Cars Unlimited, Obengers Racing, Motul, Yokohama-ADVAN, Alpinestars, JSD Autosport, Mohspeed, Radical Cars Philippines, PartsPro, Special Stage, MRD performance and MP Turbo.
The now college student was also an honor student from day one of school until his graduation from senior high school. Pigeon Lobien
