Marlon Stockinger (Personal Website) is a race car driver born to a Filipina mother and a Swiss father. He was born April 4, 1991, making him only 22 years old as of this writing. He studied and was raised in the Philippines until his family moved to Europe when he was around 16 years old.
Bianca Gonzales talks about 10 things more you need to know about him in this article.
To quote Marlon in the said article,
These people from Europe, America, South America, they’re all too good. But then you realize when you win the race, hey, they’re no more special, they’re just from a different country. At the end of the day they’re normal people too. That’s when it sank in that this is possible. With more success comes greater ambition. You just believe in yourself more. It was just a dream, but now it’s becoming reality.
(Photo Source)
Last 11 January 2014, Marlon had a grand fans day in Greenbelt 3, Makati City. It was a small and intimate gathering of racing fans and fan girls (and boys) coming from all over the world. Some came from Guam, New York, Bicol, etc. The fans got to know him as they got the chance to ask some questions about his career, the sport and of course, his personal life. Lucky fans also took the opportunity to take some autographs and selfies with Marlon.
Marlon arrived around 4:30 pm dressed casually in a shirt and a pair of pants. Fans went wild when he walked through the stage that looked like it was designed for a garden wedding. The host (I forgot his name, I’m sorry) asked him to thank his fans. The host reiterated that the fans day was not only for Marlon but also to promote the sport of car-racing especially in the Philippines.
It started with a little How Well Do You Know Marlon? game while the press got some time alone with the guy. It was incredible how people knew details of his career and even his favorite food (i.e. beef tapa).
Sponsors gave away Petronas green cards, Nokia cellphones, and Timex watches. Attendees also received customized caps, umbrellas, a Speed magazine with him on the cover, and Petronas calendars.
During the Q&A, Marlon blushed when a fan asked if he could be her “baby.” His reaction showed how well he was handling his popularity, with humility and gratefulness. A girl asked if he has a girlfriend, he said he has a girlfriend and it was his car. Aww. However, if he would date one, the girl would preferably be a Filipina. Aww again.
He was also asked what Filipino trait he finds necessary to excel in his sport. He said it was the “heart” or the “laban” of Pinoys similar to Manny Pacquiao’s determination to win every fight for his country.
Some fans asked more serious questions about who he wanted to be teammates with, what we could expect in terms of his career, etc. It’s sad that I asked a very basic question that was apparently answered in one of his early interviews.
Anyway, I have no regrets because I was one of the not less than 250 people that got the chance to have our merchandise signed and have a photograph taken with him. (There was even a Korean girl that was permitted to cut the line.)
Imagine at least 250 people lined up and Marlon entertained and welcomed each one of us. He signed at least 2 items each. I’m sure his cheeks (from all the smiling and posing) and hands were sore after the event.
With an increasing fan base, pure determination and a humble attitude, we can expect more good things from Marlon Stockinger. His next race (if I remembered correctly) will be around April or May this year.
Stay tuned for more endorsements from this guy!
