FIM MiniGP World Series: A Historic First for the Philippines

For the first time in history, the Philippines proudly participated in the FIM MiniGP World Series, marking a significant milestone for the country’s motorcycle racing industry. Held at Karting Aragón in Spain from November 10-14, 2024, this prestigious event brought together the best young riders from 22 countries to compete on the global stage. Representing the Philippines was Kenzo Abadilla, the champion of the FIM MiniGP Philippines Series 2024, who showcased exceptional talent and resilience throughout the competition.

Day 1: Registration and Orientation
The opening day was packed with excitement as Kenzo Abadilla began his journey in the FIM MiniGP World Series. Activities included registration, the official race briefing, and getting geared up in his official race suit. This was a momentous start to an event that promised to test Kenzo’s skills and determination.

Day 2: Preparation and Track Familiarization
Day 2 focused on preparation and precision. Kenzo participated in a photoshoot featuring his Ohvale 160cc MiniGP bike and a custom KYT Philippine helmet, proudly representing the nation. His bike underwent scrutineering to ensure compliance with all technical standards, and he hit the track for familiarization, analyzing every curve and turn. The day concluded with a race direction briefing, setting the stage for the intense competition ahead.

Day 3: Free Practice Sessions Begin
On Day 3, Kenzo took to the track for the first free practice sessions as part of the 160cc Group A category. These sessions were crucial for sharpening his skills and pushing the limits of his performance. The anticipation for the upcoming races continued to build as Kenzo adjusted to the highly competitive environment.

Day 4: Challenges and Qualifying Rounds
Day 4 presented unexpected challenges. During Free Practice 4, Kenzo faced a setback when he slid on his second lap, affecting his qualifying time. Despite this, he remained focused and determined. In the MiniGP qualifying format, riders advance through multiple rounds to secure a spot in the finals. Kenzo battled hard, finishing in the top 4 of Q1 to advance to Q2. Although he placed 11th in Q2 and narrowly missed Q3, his resilience shone through.

Kenzo’s comeback during Qualifying Race 1 was remarkable. Starting from P3 on the grid, he fought his way to claim P1, demonstrating his competitive spirit and exceptional racing skills. This performance solidified his place among the best young riders in the world.

Overcoming Challenges
The team faced several unique challenges in their debut at the FIM MiniGP World Series. Firstly, it was the first time racing against top riders from other countries, many of whom had prior experience in the World Series. Competing with seasoned racers required an immense amount of focus and adaptability.

Secondly, the weather in Spain proved to be a significant factor. Accustomed to the tropical climate of the Philippines, the team had to adapt to cold temperatures ranging from 5 to 10 degrees Celsius. The qualifying rounds were particularly challenging as rain made the track wet, necessitating a switch from slick to wet tires. Unlike many of their competitors, Kenzo and the team were not as familiar with racing in such conditions.

Finally, weight also played a role. While the Ohvale MiniGP bike is designed to accommodate riders of varying sizes, Kenzo’s competitors were often smaller and lighter, giving them an advantage in acceleration and maneuverability. Despite this, Kenzo demonstrated exceptional skill and determination to remain competitive.

The Grand Finale: A Milestone Achievement
Kenzo Abadilla’s journey at the FIM MiniGP World Series Final culminated in a proud representation of the Philippines on the world stage. Out of 41 riders from 22 countries, Kenzo competed fiercely and secured a spot among the top 23 best, fastest, and youngest riders in the world. This historic achievement made history for the Philippines, setting a benchmark for future generations.

Inspiring the Future of Filipino Motorsport
Kenzo’s outstanding performance highlights the success of the Road to MotoGP Program, a grassroots initiative committed to nurturing young talent and building future champions. His achievements have proven that Filipino riders can compete alongside the best in the world, paving the way for a brighter future in international motorsports.

As this historic race concludes, it marks the beginning of a new chapter for Philippine motorsport. The nation looks forward to further strengthening its presence in global racing and creating more opportunities for the next generation of Filipino racers. Kenzo Abadilla’s journey is an inspiration, and his story serves as a rallying call to elevate the Philippines on the international stage.