Champion karter Miguel Quinones crowned 2022 Golden Wheel Driver of the Year

Even young racing driver Miguel Quiñones was surprised at the accolade he received at the 2022 Golden Wheel Awards on Dec. 29, 2022.

The veteran international karter and Vios Cup driver, who received numerous trophies that night for his achievements in karting, bested 11 other nominees to be named this year’s Golden Wheel Driver of the Year.

“Honestly wasn’t expecting it,” Quiñones told AutoFun Philippines.

“I even congratulated one of the people who were nominated,” he added. “But in truth, it felt awesome to be crowned Driver of the Year for 2022.”

Quiñones thanked all of the people who have helped him throughout his career, including those in Malaysia, England and Italy.

“Many mentors taught me to be a winner, but also to have the heart of someone humble,” the international racer said.

The Golden Wheel Driver of the Year Award is chosen by a panel of judges among the Golden Wheel discipline awardees. They included:

• Scooter – Kirk Dominguiano

• Underbone – Vrei Ar Suba

• Superbike – Timothy Joseph Alberto

• Karting – Al Miguel Quiñones

• Drifting – Pocholo Hizon

• Autocross – Richard Gallardo

• Slalom – Estefano Rivera

• Rallycross – Louie Camacho

• Classic Cars – Juan Diego Macapagal

• Grand Touring – Ian Rosales

• Bracket Racing – Leandro Manio

• Drag Racing – Roniel Pasahol 

More racing abroad

Quiñones said he plans to continue karting mainly abroad in 2023, along with competing in various Philippine motorsports championships.

He also advised up-and-coming racers to keep doing their best and maintain their passion for racing.

“Nothing is impossible until you say it is, so my message for you is to always stay focused and never give up,” Quiñones said.

“But always remember who helped you and try to stay humble,” he added.

Growing interest in Philippine motorsports

Golden Wheel Awards Foundation director Dennis Ayuyao said this year’s Golden Wheel Awards is a “tribute to the resilience of Philippine motorsports under these challenging times.”

“Organizers have been able to put measures in place in order for races to continue,” he said in a speech.

“The addition of live social-media coverage of motorcycles and cars has contributed to the increased interest and acceptance of our sport to the general public and has allowed a broader scope of participation in all disciplines,” Ayuyao added.

The veteran race steward also highlighted the Foundation’s recognition of grassroots racing series by awarding the overall winners of each discipline.

“This gives it equal status to the mainstream categories and will also give the awardee a chance to win the coveted Golden Wheel Driver of the Year Award,” he said.

“This addition brings the total number of categories for tonight's awards to 12, which is the most that we have awarded in the course of our 20-year history,” Ayuyao added.

The Golden Wheel Awards Foundation is chaired by renowned karter and businessman Johnny Tan. 

Tan also owns and operates various race tracks across the country, including Batangas Racing Circuit, Clark International Speedway, Palawan International Circuit and Carmona Racing Circuit.

Do you want to bring home your own Golden Wheel Award one day?