MANILA, Philippines – Enzo Pastor, one of the country’s best race car drivers, got the attention of the international racing scene when he placed 4th in the second race of the 2013 Euro Racecar NASCAR series last April 8 in Nogaro, France.

Narrowly missing a podium finish, Pastor nevertheless saw it as an achievement since the first race in which he finished 21^st place.

For many Filipino racing enthusiasts, Pastor’s impressive performance in the second race could mean he is just getting started.

“We’re confident of a podium finish next. If the April races proved anything, it’s that the best is yet to come for Enzo,” said Philippine Formula Autosports Foundation, Inc. (PFAFI) president Tom Pastor.

Watch Enzo Pastor drive in the Batangas Racing Circuit in January 2012:

Race to the finish line

But even before the 4^th place finish, Pastor was already making a splash in the scene with his fantastic driving skills.

“If he had another lap or two, Enzo would have overtaken them all,” noted the elder Pastor.

“Everyone was cheering him on and all eyes were on him, as the announcers kept talking about his spectacular drive in the rain.”

His speed during the second race, and after the installation of a new engine in his car, was an unbelievable 1.52 a second per lap. The speed of the race’s first-placer was 1.53 a second per lap.

Watch an interview of Enzo Pastor in 2011 after a test drive:

Pastor admitted that he was disappointed with his 21^st placing in the first race.

“I’m disappointed because I had the pace for the first and 3rd sector, but lost it down the straights.”

But Pastor will have many chances to redeem himself as he is set to compete in more Euro Racecar NASCAR races, the last of which will take place on Philippine shores this 2013.

The first Asian leg of the Euro Racecar NASCAR series will be held at the Clark International Speedway in Pampanga. The historical event, made possible by PFAFI, is sure to be one Filipino race enthusiasts will count down to. – Rappler.com