Axel Nocom Wins COTFA and Sets Track Record in Abu Dhabi

Towards the backend of 2025, Axel Nocom is still grinding it out, this time in the UAE.

Philippine karting prodigy Axel Nocom competed in the OK-N Junior class of the Champions of the Future Academy karting program, which happened this past November 7-9, 2025, at the Al Forsan International Kart Circuit, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.

The Champions of the Future Academy program is a global karting series organized by RGMMC that aims to develop young motorsport talents locally and internationally, with events that are held across Europe and the Middle East, giving young drivers exposure to high-level circuits and competition from around the world.

The young racer performed exceptionally during the course of COTFA. Axel started the weekend off with wins in the Qualifying Heat 1 and Qualifying Heat 2 on Saturday, beating out drivers local to the UAE, and securing pole position for Race 1. This performance came off the back of only a day of testing on the track and having minimal experience at Al Forsan International Kart Circuit, having only raced there once during December of 2024, making it an even more impressive feat. During Race 1, Axel finished P4.

To start the next day of racing, Axel set an unprecedented time during Time Qualifying at 55.055 seconds, setting the track record for an OK-N Junior engine. He beat out Emirati driver Nathan Kappen, who is an experienced karter with MENA Nations Cup Championships and a UAE Rotax Championship under his belt, by 0.015 seconds to set the track record. This, once again, is an impressive feat done by the Philippine racer. To compete in a foreign country and score a track record is unheard of, especially when beating out one of the country’s best local talents.

Axel once again won his Qualifying Heat 1 on Sunday, but Qualifying Heat 2 proved tougher as Axel finished P2, just behind Mitansh Jain. Even with the minor setback, Axel still secured pole position for Race 2. With pole position in hand, Axel knew he needed to make it count. He fought for his lead and, with valiant driving and technique, he went on to win Race 2 and secure his place on top of the podium.

With the 3 Qualifying Heat wins and a win in Race 2, Axel is the current leader of the COTFA OK-N Junior class after Round 1 with 134 points. The UAE’s Veer Chopra and Nathan Kappen follow with 121 points and 119 points, respectively.

It can be said that being an adaptable driver is an underrated skill in the realm of karting, and Axel Nocom has proved that he’s just that. When the young Filipino driver experienced setbacks, he would adapt and land big wins. Leading the pack in a foreign country against other racers that are local to the UAE. Axel was quick to adapt to the foreign track conditions, acclimating to the weather and getting the feel of the kart itself. Being pitted against 9 young Emirati drivers, who call Al Forsan Circuit home, was definitely no easy task, but Axel was ready, focused, and willing to show who he was on the international stage.

Axel Nocom’s COTFA performance is nothing short of impressive. His talent shines not only in his championship-level driving, but his understanding of the race and taking a measured approach to every challenge he faces. At just 13 years old, we can only expect more outstanding performances and more headlines from Axel.