FOR some, racing is a dangerous thing to learn, but for Julian Neri, it is his life.
“It doesn’t really change anything because it’s always been a part of my life,” said Neri.
Neri was nine years old when his father, Justin Paul Neri, exposed him to anything related to machines and engines, thus leading him to get into racing.
Neri started his career in racing with go carts, was then introduced to racing with jet skis, and eventually he got into cars.
“I’ve been racing since I was nine, from go carts to jetskis, any form of racing,” he said.
Neri admitted that circuit racing and jet skis are dangerous and challenging sports.
In circuit racing, it doesn’t necessarily mean that you’ll win by having a fast car.
“You have to learn how to drive well smoothly and be consistent because if you can’t get your lines right, you’re not gonna win so you really need the skill to really be at the top of your game,” said Neri.
Neri also thinks that jet ski races are also challenging because they require a lot of physical fitness and effort.
From go cart racing, he then learned to drive when he was 12 years old.
Neri engaged in car racing a year ago and quickly made a name in the industry.
It was March 2018 when he got first place in Time Attack Bracket D at the Clark International Speedway. That was his very first track outing.
A month after that event, Neri then joined the Philippine Endurance Challenge (PEC), wherein he placed fifth.
Of all the competitions he has joined so far, Neri considers his overall champion trophy in the First Step Racing Cup in the Manila International Auto Show last April 4 as the most prestigious award he has ever won.
Neri was also able to join the Flat Out Race Series, which was more like a recreational event rather than a competition.
“That’s what my dad and I do for fun. It’s like a recreational thing,” said Neri, who goes to Clark every now and then to train and bond with his father.
This is also the reason Neri always does his best during his competitions, to make his father proud.
Neri shared that it is his father who does almost everything—from preparing his car to getting him ready mentally and physically for the race.
“I can see him doing his best for me, so I also do my best for him, make him proud, and show him that there’s something that will come out from everything that he does for me,” he said.
Aside from his idol Lewis Hamilton, a Formula 1 world champion, it is his father who he really looks up to because of their common interests.
Neri shared that one of the best advice his father taught him was how to be in control of his emotions when driving.
“You can’t rush things ‘cause you get into accidents and when you’re racing at high speeds, it could be fatal,” he said.
It is also because of racing that Neri became more disciplined. According to him, “You can’t just go there and let your emotions out. You have to be in control, and you really have to think.”
The 18-year-old Neri will be graduating this April and plans to continue his career in racing, setting his sights on the Vios Cup, which has three legs in June, September and November.
“I will not stop. I want to help support the local scene of motorsports so it can grow and develop,” said Neri.
Neri is planning to join the Philippine Grand Touring Championship, together with his father.