No one expected a child who first gripped a steering wheel at four years old to become a dominant force in Philippine karting just three years later. Today, seven-year-old Torch Philippe C. Florentino is one of the brightest young racers in the country, collecting wins with a maturity far beyond his age.
While his results turn heads, what Torch enjoys most is the atmosphere surrounding every race. He thrives in the mix of camaraderie and competition that fills the paddock. “I enjoy making new friends and meeting racers from other teams,” he shares with TGFM. The track has become a place where learning never stops, whether he’s swapping stories with rivals or challenging himself to improve. “Every race weekend feels like a mix of competition and friendship, and that’s what makes it exciting for me.”
A champion shaped by effort and support
Torch recently clinched his third straight title in the Tillotson T4 National Karting Series, a milestone that reflects both discipline and heart. The moment was overwhelming for him. “I felt super happy! I was really proud because I worked hard and got better each round,” he says. That effort is rooted in a strong support system. His parents, Chinkee and Gian, shuttle him to the track; coaches, teammates, and mechanics cheer him on; and family members at home watch the livestream, shouting even if he can’t hear a thing. “Knowing they’re all behind me helps me stay confident during every race,” Torch says.
A young racer with big dreams ahead
Torch’s connection to racing is simple and pure, driven by the thrill of the machine beneath him. “The engine—because that’s the part that makes me go fast!” he says when asked about his favorite part of his Bambino kart. When he’s not racing, he practices on a simulator, sharpening the skills he hopes will take him far.
He dreams of competing in Singapore and at the Yas Marina Circuit one day. He also hopes for sponsors so he can join international races he once had to miss, including Valencia, Spain. Inspired by champions like Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton, he sees a future shaped by the same perseverance. “I want to follow that kind of path—working hard, staying consistent, and becoming a champion myself someday,” he says.
