FILIPINO-British rider Carl Pollington stamped his class in the cadet 60 cc for an impressive start in the 2009 Philippine Karting Super Series, which opened recently at the Carmona Circuit Philippines in Cavite.

The nine-year-old Pollington, aboard his PCR racing machine, was the youngest karter in the field of the final race. But what he lacked in experience he made up for with spunk, lots of it in fact.

Any other inexperienced rider would have given up at the slippery and risky race course caused by a downpour.

But not Pollington.

And as luck would have it, the prodigy of race mentor Edgen Dy-lliaco of Tough Gear Racing, overtook previous leader Ira Medrano, his toughest rival, who led the 10-lap race most of the way.

Pollington, who is based in Angeles City, Pampanga, took advantage of Medrano?s miscalculated maneuver in the final corner. The Fil-Briton?s continued chase paid off as he got past his rival and grabbed the checkered flag en route to winning the crown.

The happiest person in attendance was no doubt Pollington?s father, Clive, who himself was a champion race driver.

?I?m so proud of what he achieved,? said Clive of his son. ?He should be playing toys and enjoying moments with kids his age, but he chose a path and that is on the race track.?

?I can?t stop my son from pursuing his happiness. It?s a dream for him to compete. He?s just having fun out there and now, he?s a champion. A young champion and I?m glad he kept that family?s winning tradition,? added Clive, who has been competing in almost all sorts of death-defying motorsports events and has been rewarded the legendary Isle of Man Tourist Trophy Race three times in succession.

Clive also took part, and succeeded, in many saloon races in England and Europe.

The elder Pollinton also thanked St. John De La Salle, where Carl is a third grader, for the support it extended to his son. He likewise paid tribute to the team?s coach, mechanics and team owner Fannie Rivera for the exposure they provided the newest kid sensation of Philippine karting.

Born on Jan. 18, 2000 at Angeles City to Clive Pollington and Joyce Pollington, who hails from Subic, Zambales, Carl is currently a Grade 3 student of St John De La Salle in Angeles City Pampanga. He is the youngest in a family of four. Rey Joble