AF3 championship founder Eddie Peña passes away at 66

Jose Eduardo Peña, the visionary behind the Asian Formula Three Championship (AF3) and a prominent figure in Philippine motorsport, passed away at age 66.

Peña, a businessman and passionate advocate for developing young racing talent, founded the Asian F3 Championship in 2001. AF3 provided a crucial stepping stone for aspiring drivers to climb the motorsport ladder. The Philippine-based series quickly gained recognition for its competitive spirit and high-quality racing, attracting regional and international drivers. The series was responsible for launching the careers of numerous talented drivers who have gone on to compete at higher levels of motorsport.

The Asian Formula Three Championship was able to attract drivers from Germany, Great Britain, Indonesia, Ireland, Japan, and Macao. The series held events in Sentul in Indonesia; Zhuhai and Goldenport Park in China; Autopolis in Japan; and Subic and Batangas in the Philippines. It even had a leg in Albert Park in Melbourne, Australia as a support race for the 2007 Australian Grand Prix.

The series eventually folded in 2008 after the onset of the global financial crisis from 2007 to 2008.

Beyond his role in Asian F3, Peña was a respected figure in the motorsport community. He was known for his dedication to fostering young talent and his unwavering commitment to promoting the growth and development of motorsport in Asia.

Peña's passing will be deeply felt by the entire motorsport community. His legacy, however, will continue to inspire and guide future generations of racing drivers.