Two years after becoming the 2019 Philippine Grand Touring (GT) Overall Champion, Lubestraders Shell Helix Ultra Racing ace driver Paolo Santos joined an even more elite motorsport company when he was named “Driver of the Year” in the recently concluded 17th Annual Golden Wheel Awards Night.
Onboard his TS Tuning-prepared Honda Civic FD, Santos steered his way to the 2019 GT crown – defying odds and exceeding expectations by beating some of the biggest names in the national circuit racing scene.
His exemplary feat earned the nod of the whole Golden Wheel Awards Foundation judging committee as the best of Philippine Motorsports, topping the rest of the country’s national crown-holders across all two and four-wheel motorsports disciplines held from 2019 to 2021. The said prestigious awards ceremony was not held last 2020 due to pandemic restrictions.
“Achieving something like this has always been a goal since I started my career in racing yet finally attaining it made things very surreal for me. And with how happy I am after all of this, I can’t thank countless people enough for continuing to be there throughout this journey of mine”, said Santos who sets his sights on rallycross racing this year, as well as defending his 2019 Grand Touring throne.
Aside from recognizing and highlighting those who emerged victorious in the National motorsport scene last 2019 and 2021, the Golden Wheel Foundation, headed by its Chairman Mr. Johnny Tan, also acknowledged those who have made a significant impact in the industry – both locally an internationally. In addition, utmost gratitude was also expressed to all those who contributed to the successful return of the sport in the country after the devastating blow it suffered due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
“From the competitors, to the mechanics, to all race organizers, to even the marshalls and officials, and to everyone else who just truly loves the sport, our appreciation for all of you is immeasurable. For it is through absolute passion and action that we were able to bring Motorsports back again. And with this, I am very sure that 2022 and beyond will transition from a revival year to a transcendent one”, said Mr. Tan.
Other major awardees of the 17th Golden Wheel Awards Night were Vrei-Ar Suba (Scooter) Marvin Mangulabnan and T.J. Alberto (Superbikes), Norman Agojo (Drifting), Iñigo Anton (Autocross), Estefano Rivera (Slalom), Steve Acayan (Rallycross), Carlos Castañeda and Robert Macapagal (Classic Car Racing), Michael Daulog (Drag), Miguel Quiñones, Bianca Bustamante, and Joaquin Garrido (Karting), and Russ Agapito (2021 Circuit).