Fourteen-year-old Cebuano prodigy karter William John Riley Go bagged his first European title in the Super ROK category of the recently concluded ROK Super Finals held at the South Garda Karting Track in Lonato, Italy last weekend.
After falling just a bit short through multiple podium finishes in his previous campaign, Go went home with all the glory this time as a breakthrough triumph finally came about for the Cebuano in the tough European racing circuit.
Representing Zanchini Motorsports and the Philippines, Go navigated through the 20-lap final, taking the checkered flag five seconds ahead Andorran star Alexandre Machado and almost 10 seconds ahead of third placer Daniele Federici (16:21.940).
The weekend started with 80 racers in the SuperRok category, with only 36 making it into the final race.
Dream becoming reality
“My dream became a reality—my first champion win in Europe!” a jubilant Go wrote on his Facebook page. “Ever since I was racing locally in the Philippines, being able to compete in Europe, the home of the best of the best in karting, was always on the bucket list,” added Go.
Go’s outstanding performance earned him praise from no less than his proud coach Davide Fore, a four-time World Champion between 1998 and 2006 and has displayed a strong commitment to karting over the years. Fore commended Go for exerting his best in the last 10 months despite the complications the latter experienced living in Europe.
“Amazing work this year from the first day we started in January together until today. A big step is done. We still need to work hard to be better and improve your experience,” said Fore.
‘Crazy ride’
“In fact, it was a bit of a crazy ride. During the different heats, I had mixed feelings for each one since my position was constantly changing due to certain racing incidents,” said Go.
Attempting to overtake other racers was difficult, Go said, given that each one had remarkable skill and experience in racing.
“With enough patience and determination, I made a move and pulled away on the 16th lap of the race. I kept my focus and managed to cross the finish line as champion,” expressed Go.
Despite his multiple local and international achievements, Go remained grateful to all those who, in one way or another, have greatly contributed to his most recent success.
“I would also like to congratulate the other racers who won and my fellow Filipino racers for a job well done. Truly a one-of-a-kind experience that motivates me to keep moving forward to reach my dreams despite how ambitious it may seem,” said Go.
In 2019, at the age of 11, Go competed in Asia to become the first Filipino karter to bag three overall Asian Karting Championships. It became his ticket to European races like WSK Euro Series and the FIA Karting Academy. These same tournaments produced numerous prominent Formula 1 racers.
Go is one step closer to his dream of becoming the first Filipino to become an F1 racer. For now, he enjoys the glory of his first European championship.