By Inquirer
MANILA, Philippines–From ardent cheerer to champion car racer.
That’s the amazing transformation Karen Navarrete-Anton underwent in just one week recently.
Karen, a Polynesian Dance School owner who used to cheer whenever her multi-titled racer-husband Carlos Anton is competing, found she also has the knack for competition driving when she emerged overall champion in the Marlboro Red Racing Competition at the Ferrari-owned Varano race track in Italy.
In doing so, Karen became the first lady driver and first Filipino to capture the crown since the event was launched worldwide in 2004.
Karen clocked the fastest time in the GT drift race using an Alfa Romeo, besting 19 men and lady racers from Ukraine, Russia, Kuwait, Bahrain, Dubai, South Africa, Bulgaria and the Philippines.
Karen also topped the Autocross race and shone in other events at the Fiorano Track.
And the amazing thing is, Karen only learned how to drive a manual car a week before she went to Italy.
“Carlos brought me down to the race track in Subic for one day to teach me how to drive with a stick shift,” said Karen, who calls Baguio City home.
“I guess what made me do well in Italy is the fact that my training in driving was geared toward racing and not city driving. Carlos is my number one supporter and he is an extremely patient and amazing teacher.”
“I’ve always believed that Karen has what it takes to be a champion; that is why I encouraged her to join the MRRS,” said Carlos, who also won the MRRS Autocross race in Italy in 2004.
In Italy, Karen got the chance to race the Alfa Romeo GTA, the Ferrari 360 and was able to ride in a special 3-seater Ferrari Formula 1 car driven by Formula 1 driver Luca Badoer.
During the farewell dinner, Karen brought the house down with solo dance number at Luciano Pavarotti’s famous restaurant in Varano. Roy Luarca
July 29th, 2007 at 10:38 am
[...] I remember Carlos Anton from one of my classes in UP Baguio. I think in our batch of journalism majors at that time, I only counted four males. Carlos was one of them. But I believed that his passion was car racing. So it was surprising to hear that his wife, Karen Navarrete-Anton has turned pro and has recently made history. [...]