It’s often been said that the fruit doesn’t fall far from the tree. Nowhere is this saying more true than with the father-and-son tandem of Noel Bartolome Sr and Jr. The team began racing in 19996 when Junior was still at the tender age of 8. Since then, Junior has gone on to win many a championship, inspired by no less than his father.
The elder Bartolome began his off-road racing exploits as far back as the 1980s. Since then, he has been at it for roughly three decades. He has competed in numerous off-road challenges, including the famous Malaysian Rainforest Challenge. During this time, Noel Jr was likewise starting to carve his own niche within the sport.
A multiple winner of events like the Maxxis 4x4 Cup Philippines Off-Road Challenge, Noel Jr says that his love for the dirt tracks and the path less traveled can be attributed to the influence of his old man. It’s a sport that has become a family tradition for them, a bonding moment of sorts, if you will. In fact, even Noe’s very own son is beginning to get immersed in the pits, quite literally.
This June 22-23, 2019, Noel Jr hopes to add to the feathers on his cap and do a three-peat during the 8th leg of the Maxxis 4x4 Cup Philippines Off-Road Challenge, held in Ormoc City. Again, he will surely dedicate this one to his dear old dad, no matter what the result.
