"THE thrill for speed and responsibility of speed are the things that got me hooked to this sport," racer Jonathan George "Jong" Uy said.
Uy learned the ropes and gained interest for racing or Formula 1 as a High School student.
The Racing Line founder and owner recently launched its flagship indoor go kart track, The Racing Line Motorsports Arena Go Kart Track, at the 3rd floor of NCCC Mall Davao. It is the third expansion after the first two openings at the Abreeza Ayala Mall and NCCC Mall Davao parking area. The go kart track is suited for kids and adults.
"I decided to bring gokarting or racing here in Davao City in 1998 to educate Dabawenyos about the sport. We were the first to pioneer car shows here," told SunStar Davao in an interview recently.
Uy, who competed in various national racing competitions, said he want to wants Dabawenyos to learn the ropes of racing and appreciate car shows. He pioneered in organizing car shows, drag racing, autocross, motorcross circuit racing, jetski, go kart racing here in Davao City and neighboring provinces.
Racing is his first love and favorite hobby when he was growing up.
It was in April 2005 that Uy established Racing Line TV, first and only motoring television show in the country that features local and regional motoring events, highlighting local riders and racers' passion for racing.
"The good reception of their first branch in Abreeza has fueled us to do more."
Through Uy and his group's initiatives, the motoring industry in Davao City and other areas has started to come back to life.
The motoring industry grew, thus, giving birth to more car and accessories shops. It has benefited a lot of sectors as it also created jobs for the public.
"We have brought business to the people. As they say business equals to work."
There have been regular staging of autocross and drag racing here too. The main objective is to gather more car enthusiasts from all over Mindanao and provide an avenue where they can shine.
The Racing Line TV has already reached the audience in other areas including Cebu, Iloilo, Cagayan de Oro, and Bacolod cities.
Uy said there are also values that young and adults can get from this sport.
"You should be responsible for your speed. If not then you'll get into accidents. It's one of the many disciplines that we want others to learn through this sport," he added.
Uy said that they are focused on developing young racers.
"We've been also monitoring their progress and development before we try to help them reach the professional level," he said.
Although the lack of facilities and race tracks hinder the growth of sport, Uy believes that once a proper race track is built then he expects more will come.
Kids and adults may come and enjoy racing at the indoor go kart at the NCCC Mall Davao for only P100 for five minutes.
The Racing Line Motorsports Arena also accommodates exclusive parties, gatherings and corporate events for team building activities and exclusive racing events.
They are set to open branches in Cebu City and Cagayan de Oro City.