Interview by Angie Bautista
How old are you?
I'm 16 years old.
Brandon and his family moved here from Hawaii in 2001 when Brandon was eight. Later that year he was introduced to
racing by Lee Bumgarner, father of March 2004 People@SPEED interviewee Michele Bumgarner. From there Brandon was
hooked and started racing in the national series within months in the cadet 60cc class which is for racers aged 8 to 12.
In his first full season Brandon won numerous races and claimed the top honor of Philippine national champion in his class
in his rookie year. From there he graduated to the more powerful 85cc class in which he finished 3rd nationally and 4th in
the Asian championships.
This year Brandon is racing mainly in international events in the cadet 85cc class with stops in Indonesia, Philippines, Malaysia,
Macau and India. He currently stands 2nd overall in Asia. He also races the Junior Rotax 125cc class where he is one of the youngest
competitors; he hopes to race in this class next year at the international level. Brandon is currently sponsored by the Asian Formula
corporation.
For the record how old are you?
I'm 11 years old.
How did you get started in racing?
My father took me to the Carmona race track when I was 8. That got the ball rolling.
What races/championships have you won at your tender age?
I was cadet Philippine national champion, Tuason Memorial Cup cadet champion in 2002.
What is the secret to your speed?
I try to be as consistent as I can when I'm racing.
Do you intend to go to saloon- or formula-type of racing?
I'd love to drive formula cars some day.
We know you're too young to have a license but do you drive a car now?
Yes I do. I always bug my parents to let me drive.
Who are your racing idols?
Formula 1 racers (Juan Pablo) Montoya and (Fernando) Alonso.
In which circuits have you raced?
I've raced in the Philippines, Indonesia, Daytona, Malaysia, and next month in India.
What sort of speeds do you experience in a go-kart race?
I don't really know but it's fast. (Most karts reach or exceed 100 kph on the main straight at the Carmona race track in Cavite. - Ed.)
What goes on in your mind an hour before a big race? Do you sleep well the night
before?
I try to sleep well and think about having a safe and consistent race.
How do you prepare for a race? Do you have a special diet or physical training program like the F1 guys?
I just go to sleep early and have a good breakfast.
How do you see yourself fifteen years from now, a full-time racer or more of the corporate type?
I would like to keep racing, but I don't really know.
What is the scariest moment you have ever had on a race track?
When I flipped my go kart and landed on my head.
Wow! Is there anything you hate about racing?
None.
What else do you do outside of karting?
I play badminton, swim and rollerblade.
What advice would you give for those who want to follow in your footsteps?
If you like to race, just go for it.
What lesson have you learned from your experiences in racing?
I have learned to be patient. (Ironic, isn't it? - Ed.)
