Paco Rodriguez 10th place in Japan

Still on racing, Paco Rodriguez, whom I featured on this column a few weeks ago, returned from the World Karting Finals in Japan with good news.

“We were 36 in our class ‘expert’ and I finished 10th,” said Paco. Then he added, “Not bad… 10th in the world.” You bet that’s not bad. When I asked if he was happy with his showing, Paco said, “Yes, I’m very happy that I’m in the top 10. I didn’t expect to be in the top 10 because I qualified 24th.” Paco told me that it rained during the race and, given his “rainy day” expertise, he moved up and placed 10th.

Any interesting or funny experiences? I asked. “Yep, I spun during qualifying because I was very nervous.. actually I pressed the brakes too hard so it locked that’s why I spun. Also the team manager, Mr. Sasaki, said that I should not eat dinner because I’m overweight. Ha-ha. But he was happy of my performance.”

The Japan event was Paco’s first to be a factory driver and to be with a factory team (Birel Pacific). He added, “I learned to be more mature in terms of overtaking. I also learned new driving styles.”