Bianca Bustamante, the up-and-coming racing star from the Philippines attended the follow-up award ceremony for the 17th Golden Wheel Awards on 29th December 2021. Due to pandemic restrictions, the awards were given at two different gatherings, and some of the best drivers in the country - representing various racing classes - were present to collect their accolades in person. The first event was held in September, where Bianca collected the 2019 National Senior Karter of the Year and 2019 International Junior Karter of the Year.
At the follow-up event last week, Bianca received multiple awards which, once again, reflect her achievements and success in the sport so far. She bagged the 2019 Philippines Karting Champion and 2019 Asian Karting Junior Champion and was also nominated as the Driver of the Year. Not only was she the only female racer on the stage, but she was also the only driver to win multiple awards, adding to the six Golden Wheel trophies won earlier in the year.
It has been a challenging year for motorsports in Asia. However, it has also been a milestone year for Bianca’s racing journey. She travelled to France, being selected as the only Asian in the FIA Girls on Track - Rising Stars shootout, where she received the opportunity to learn and train with the best in the world. Continuing her ascent towards the highest level of the sport, Bianca has been testing with Formula 4 cars and is looking forward to this season along with the opportunities the future holds. More announcements regarding Bianca’s 2022 race calendar will follow soon.
“I am so grateful to be here at the 17th Annual Golden Wheel Awards tonight. It’s an honour to be receiving these awards as I have worked very hard to not only epitomize my competitiveness in the Philippines but also push my abilities to be one of the best in the world. This year I was able to continue my path towards my dreams and goals, being given an opportunity to go to Europe and compete for a spot in the Ferrari Driver Academy. One opportunity has led to another and I am now closer to fulfilling my dreams more than ever. All of this would not be possible without my parents’ support and my coach. A big thank you to the teams that have given me a chance to drive. It has been an incredible journey so far and I am determined to keep going and give it my best to make it to the top. Thank you to everyone that is behind me and supporting me.”
Bianca Bustamante
