Filipino karting prodigy Axel Nocom delivered another impressive performance on the global stage after finishing 9th out of 36 of the world’s best junior drivers during Round 3 of the Champions of the Future Academy Program (COTFA), held at the legendary Pista Azzurra in Jesolo, Italy.
The 12-year-old, who has already made history as a five-time National Mini Karter of the Year in the Philippines and recently became the first Filipino to reach the podium in Japan’s top-tier Autobacs GPR series, continued to shine among international motorsport elites. He also previously represented the Philippines at the FIA Motorsport Games in Spain and competed in high-profile events across the Middle East and Europe.
In Jesolo, Axel rose to as high as second place during the final but dropped to P9 following a minor incident. Despite the setback, his skill and adaptability were evident, especially on a track as demanding as Pista Azzurra—often called the “Monaco of Karting” for its historic value and relentless technical challenges.
Built in 1964, the circuit has hosted motorsport legends like Senna, Schumacher, and Prost. The weekend was nothing short of chaotic: multiple karts flipped, four red flags were issued, and one heat even ended under slow procedure. “This track isn’t for drivers who aren’t fit. Some only lasted nine laps in the finals and started losing pace,” Axel observed.
“It’s really different how races in the Philippines and Europe are done. I hope I can share this experience to PH karters,” he added, hoping to one day bridge the gap between Filipino talent and global competition.
Axel, currently competing with support from Front Row Racing, is now setting his sights on the next round in Slovakia—ready once again to carry the Philippine flag against the best in the world.
