Karter of Year plum in Calderon’s bag

IN a stunning turn of events, it appears that many-time Karter of the Year Jette Calderon will get to add another trophy to his collection after top rival, Joseph Rojo said that he will not race in the seventh and final leg of the KartZone Superkart Series this Saturday at the KartZone track in Brgy. Panagdait.

This surprising development was relayed to this writer in an exclusive interview with Rojo last Tuesday night. Pressed to state the reasons behind his pullout from this weekend’s finale, the 17-year-old student of the University of San Carlos declined to comment.

In the event that Rojo skips this weekend’s race, the KT Expert title will virtually be handed to Calderon along with the prestigious Karter of the Year plum. However, it dampens what was expected to be a fierce battle for the title with a mere 22 points separating the two contenders.

In fact, Rojo was heading to this race with momentum on his side after taking the checkered flag in the sixth leg last year to bridge the gap. However, Rojo said that he will not only skip the final leg but also the entire 2014 season of Cebu’s premier karting event.

“Yes, it’s sad but it’s all good still,” said Rojo good-naturedly.

Race organizer Kim Limgenco confirmed that he has indeed heard about the rumor but will confirm it once he gets to talk to Rojo later in the day.

Jun Calderon, Jette’s father, also expressed his dismay upon hearing the news. “I’m still hoping that Joseph (Rojo) will race this weekend. It’s been a real good rivalry between him and Jette. It would have been a terrific finish to this series,” said the elder Calderon.  /Correspondent Jonas Panerio