Meet this 5-year-old Filipino who’s racing his way to Spain’s international karting stage

Many children dream of fast cars, thrilling races, and cheering crowds, but only a few get the chance to live that dream so early in life. For five-year-old Alonso Chester Ngo, what started as playtime with toy cars has quickly transformed into an extraordinary journey in motorsports. Under DRQ Motorsports, Alonso began karting in January 2025 and was already competing by March, showing just how quickly his passion turned into progress. This October 1–5, 2025, he will proudly represent Team Pilipinas at the T4 Nations Cup in Valencia, Spain.

“Alonso is a curious and active five-year-old who has shown impressive growth in a short span of time,” shared his parents, Chester and Crissy Ngo. They recalled how their son’s interests shifted from animals to cars almost overnight. “He used to love animals, but everything changed when he turned four. He suddenly developed a deep fascination with cars. It started with playing with his Tomica die-cast cars, then he expressed a strong desire to try go-karting. What started as curiosity quickly became commitment.”

That commitment showed during his early indoor e-karting sessions, where Alonso’s lap times steadily improved. Encouraged by his progress, he soon transitioned to outdoor karting, which his parents describe as his “true calling.” When he isn’t on the track, Alonso loves watching Fast and the Furious, streaming racing videos on YouTube, and sharpening his instincts on a home racing simulator.

Discovering his passion

The turning point came during a family trip to the United States. “When he was four, we took a trip to the San Diego Zoo. We thought he’d be amazed by the animals, but to our surprise, he seemed bored,” his parents said with a smile. Not long after, they noticed Alonso spending more time with his toy cars, and eventually he voiced out a bold request: “I want to ride a go-kart.”

That simple statement was enough for Chester and Crissy to recognize that their son’s fascination had grown into something bigger. “From there, we knew we had to support this new interest,” they said. What followed was a steady rhythm of training and racing, balanced alongside school.

Preparing Alonso for his first competitions required dedication from the whole family. “We made it a routine to train 2 to 3 times a week, even with school. After class, we’d head straight to the race track. Alonso never seemed to get tired. Even after a full day at the track, during his last session, he didn’t want to leave—he always wanted to do more,” they explained.

Racing with guidance and family support

A big part of Alonso’s growth has been his time with DRQ Motorsports. “Being with DRQ Motorsports has been a blessing,” his parents said. “He has amazing mentors and teammates who guide him not just during races, but also in practice sessions. The team environment has helped build his confidence and discipline on and off the track.”

But as much as Alonso thrives with his team, his parents remain his constant foundation. “As parents, we are always present during his practices and races, even if it means adjusting our work schedules,” Chester and Crissy explained. They also make the effort to learn karting basics themselves, so they can provide guidance during simulator sessions and understand the strategies behind his performance.

Despite Alonso’s busy schedule, balance remains a priority in the Ngo household. “We prioritize his studies above all. Time management is key—we schedule his karting and badminton training to fit around school,” his parents emphasized. “On weekends, we make it a point to go to church and dedicate time just for play and rest, ensuring he still enjoys being a child.” Alongside karting, Alonso also enjoys badminton and swimming, further nurturing his active and curious personality.

Looking ahead to Spain and beyond

The upcoming T4 Nations Cup in Valencia, Spain marks a milestone in Alonso’s young racing journey. His parents see this not just as a competition, but as an invaluable experience. “Our main goal is for Alonso to enjoy the experience and gain valuable exposure. It’s an incredible opportunity, and we just want him to have fun and learn from it,” they said.

As Alonso continues to grow, Chester and Crissy are determined to keep his love for motorsports meaningful and pressure-free. “We want motorsports to be something he continues to enjoy, not a pressure. It teaches discipline, responsibility, and focus—all valuable lessons that will benefit him even when he eventually drives on the streets. As he grows, we look forward to sharing more moments at the track with him, as a family, enjoying what he loves.”