Benitez, a Grade 7 student of Xavier School, emerged the Philippines’ No. 1 bet for the ROK Junior crown by virtue of his solo leadership in the ROK Junior division of the ongoing 2007 Shell Helix Karting Super Series.

Suba got his slot being the solo leader in the ROK Junior division of the 2007 Asian Karting Open Championship while Reyes will be competing in the Mini ROK division.

Though it will be his first stint in a prestigious European karting event, Benitez’ recent exploits in the Indonesian leg of the Asian Karting Open Championship proved that he is more than ready to dice with the best karters in the world.

"It’s a big honor for me to represent the country and I’m very excited about this race. It will be a tough job going up against the world’s best and their sophisticated technologically advanced equipment. But I’m fighting in the name of the Philippine Flag and I’ll be needing the prayers of the Filipino nation to help me bring home the laurels," said Benitez, whose stint will be backed up by, Bingo Bonanza Corporation, Henry Sy Jr. of SM companies, Willy Ocier of Pacific Online Systems Corporation, Industria.com and Belle Corporation.

Jet Racing head coach Elson Carpio is confident of Benitez making good in the Italian race.

"Javi has been the main target of the Indonesians at the Sentul race but right from the start, I saw a different character on the face of this young kid as if telling me that the harder the challenge is, the tougher he gets," Carpio said.

"And he proved that in the race itself. He was all focused, exercised good judgment during the race and implemented the strategy perfectly just as I instructed. And even when he got hit from the back, he still showed composure and got himself back on track.

"With that kind of character, I believe Javi has strong chances of at least a good podium finish, possibly get noticed by factory teams there in Italy and start an international racing career. Now that would be a big prestige for the country," Carpio added.