First-time cadet racer, Max, bags 2nd and 3rd at “Italian-American” tilt
Max Trinidad recently captured the second and third spots on the podium during the respective first and second legs of the IAME (Italian American Motor Engineering ) Series Philippines 2024.
The seven-year old karter who is slowly moving up the ranks, particularly in the Cadet division jousted against six other racers at the technical track of City Kart Racing in Porac, Pampanga last March and just recently this April.
The IAME Series Philippines Cadet division is packed with talent particularly for 7 to 12-year-olds. Here, there will be several more races set throughout the year at the same race venue. With this, Max has five more years to maximize his talents and develop to become the best racer he can be.
Starting at 5
Max started go-karting at the age of 5. After two months of training, he joined his first Bambino category race under TEAM BRE of the Pacho Blanco Race Engineering group. From 2022 to 2023, he consistently brought home gold, silver, and bronze trophies.
At a very young age, Max was trained not just to conquer the track in his best time but also to make decisions instinctively on the race track. As he takes turns and switches between gas and brake, it also requires serious reflexes, mental concentration, and focus. Not only did he have to follow and memorize the racing line, but karting also taught him discipline, determination, and perseverance both on and off the race track.
Motorsport requires bravery, courage, and guts, but through proper training under Coach Pacho Blanco, Max learned techniques for finishing the course safely. Through constant reminders, lap times, and beating his best time, Max was able to master the racing lines in no time.
Height and weight have been a constant challenge for Max as he inherited his heft from his 6’3″-father, Ronnie Trinidad, a media content creator for AutoCar PH. In straight lines, he has a hard time catching speed compared to other racers who are lighter. Now in the cadet division, it proves to be tougher for Max as he continues to grow and gain weight.
Max’s dad is already thinking that if he grows faster and bigger than other competitors, he plans to move him up to a junior go-kart, which again, is another challenge as he faces older and more veteran racers.
For Max, go-karting is a lot of fun. He meets a lot of people and he gets to develop his personality. He feels very lucky to be experiencing it at a young age, and he just wants to be good at it every time he is on the track.
