FRANCO Alfonso Alvaera, the kid who made “youngest on the grid” a badge of pride, is set to compete in his first national karting event with Mercedes Driver Development.
Franco began karting at three years old and moved into outdoor racing at four, before he could even read.
His helmet now carries the words Since 3 — a reminder of the childhood passion that started his journey when he was just a three-year-old.
For parents who watched him take his earliest laps, Franco made karting at such an early age feel possible. Seeing him behind the wheel encouraged other families to look at their own children, their toy cars, and their fascination with engines, and ask, “Could my child do this too?”
Franco’s love for racing began with Lightning McQueen and continues away from the track. He often falls asleep holding a different Hot Wheels or Matchbox car. On practice days, he sometimes arrives with an entire basket of toy vehicles, his own miniature paddock fleet.
His early results include P2 at the Petron Motorsports Karting Academy, where he was the youngest among seven Bambino drivers, P2 in the Drift Motor SEC Cup Beginner Category, P2 in Bambino Group A and P3 Overall during NIKC Round 1, and another P3 Overall finish in NIKC Round 2.
At Mercedes Driver Development, however, results are only part of Franco’s training. The team places safety, awareness, confidence, and strong fundamentals ahead of immediate speed.
Coach Alonso Marcus Lacambra translates that philosophy into lessons suited to Franco’s age, balancing technical correction with patience, reassurance, encouragement, and play. Another coach and international karter, Axel Nocom, provides a visible example of where discipline and long-term development can lead through his success overseas.
The academy’s approach reflects an important principle in Bambino racing: a Bambino is a child first. Progress may mean a smoother turn, a calmer reaction or the courage to return after a difficult session.
After training, one question remains central:
“Franco, did you have fun?”
This Sunday, Franco will race under number 146 in the T4 Bambino grid for Round 5 of the Tillotson Racing T4 Series Pilipinas at Carmona Racetrack, cheered on by his parents, Attys. Aldrich and Katrina Alvaera.
For Franco, the weekend is not only about where he finishes. It is another chance to learn; build confidence and enjoy the sport he has loved since three.
