Bianca Bustamante’s ‘Race to Inspire’ ignites passion for motorsport in PH
If there’s one thing Filipina racing prodigy Bianca Bustamante wants to do, it’s race to inspire.
The first Filipina McLaren Development driver is not only making sprints on the international racing scene but is also determined to promote motorsport in her home country, the Philippines.
After several exhilarating months of competing in races around the globe and securing the runner-up finish at the F1 Academy Round 2 in Miami, the 19-year-old racer returned to Manila for the three-day “Race to Inspire” event at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
Presented by CBR Media and powered by GoTyme Bank, the event showcased Bustamante’s impressive ascent in the racing world and offered fans an interactive experience, even letting them play into a racing simulation.
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The event, which also featured a fan signing session, allowed the public to connect with Bustamante and experience the thrill of motorsport up close.
After the first day of the event, Bustamante took to Instagram to share her excitement, expressing how the event brought her vision of promoting motorsport in the Philippines to life.
“I can’t believe it,” she wrote. “What an amazing day here at SM Mall of Asia!!!” She added, “I’ve always wanted to kick off an event like this here at home to help promote motorsport to Manila, and today it’s finally a reality!”
The event’s success was evident in the overwhelming turnout of fans eager to meet the trailblazing driver who was featured in the 2023 Google’s “Most Searched.”
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In a separate post, the F1 Academy driver thanked everyone who attended, saying, “Maraming salamat po,” with an orange heart, a nod to McLaren’s signature “papaya” color. “My heart is so full rn! Thank you to everyone that came out for Day 1 of the fan meets. I enjoyed meeting each one of you and so grateful for all your support. A 2-hour signing session turned into 4 hours!”
She continued, “Cherished every moment of it, listening to all your stories of how you became a fan of racing, and even some of you found it through me. All the hugs and the non-stop smiles from ear to ear in all the photos.”
On the final day, Bustamante addressed the crowd with a message of gratitude, sharing that the event had only fueled her passion to represent the Philippines on the global racing scene. With her sights set on the racetrack once more, her drive to inspire is stronger than ever.
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