Turbo Zone recently had an interview with Fgani Angelo Salubre, the 24‑year‑old race car driver from Davao City who etched his name in motorsport history as the first Filipino to win a GT Cup.
His journey from karting in Carmona to the podium in Europe is a testament to ambition, resilience, and the power of family support. Read on and be inspired by his amazing story, from humble beginnings to the spotlight.
Early Beginnings in Davao
Born and raised in Davao City, Salubre discovered racing at a young age. His first taste of speed came at the Carmona Racetrack, where he joined a Learning Experience Race. Introduced to karting by his mother at just eight years old, he quickly developed a passion for motorsport.
Racing Abroad and Academic Pursuits
By 18, he was training seriously, joining AutoInc Racing in Singapore’s KF1 circuit. He dedicated a year to refining his techniques before stepping into competition, laying the foundation for his future career.
His journey took him to Italy, where he pursued university studies in Florence before moving to Milan. While balancing academics, he reignited his racing passion at Fernando Alonso Karting, enjoying laps for fun but facing frequent breaks due to the demands of student life.
He later attempted Formula 4 racing, a challenging discipline that tested his limits. Though difficult, the experience pushed him toward GT Racing, where he found his stride.
Breakthrough in GT Racing
His first major endurance test came at the Ligier JS Cup France 2025, a six‑hour race that proved grueling yet unforgettable. But it was in GT Cup Europe 2026 where Salubre achieved his defining moment. After weeks of physical and mental preparation, including motorsport‑specific workouts, he clinched victory, becoming the first Filipino to win a GT Cup.
The realization struck only when a race official recognized his flag as he walked toward the podium. Overwhelmed, he later called his mother and family, who celebrated the historic achievement with pride.
Lessons Beyond the Track
He admits that the hardest part of his journey wasn’t just racing, it was the managerial side of the sport. With his mom and family managing finances and the other aspects beyond the track, he had to learn the business side of racing, a steep but valuable adjustment.
Competing internationally also meant facing highly skilled competitors, but with the support of his team, mentors, and engineers, Salubre found the courage to push through.
Advice for Aspiring Racers
Fgani’s message to young dreamers is clear:
“Keep wanting it. Motorsport is already hard to get into, so you have to give 110 percent. Don’t slack off, don’t stop dreaming. Ambition is what gets you opportunities, what makes you faster, and what makes you fearless.”
He emphasizes that motorsport is a European‑dominated sport, and as such, persistence and perseverance can show that aspiring racers can also match (and even outdo) the speed and skill of their peers.
Looking Ahead
His sights are set on building his endurance racing portfolio, with the World Endurance Championship as his ultimate goal.
For him, endurance racing represents the pinnacle of discipline and determination, a stage where preparation, resilience, and ambition are tested to the fullest. He credits his mother’s unwavering support as the driving force behind his journey, saying her hard work inspires him to push further every day.