Two years ago, I met a young Arion Crosby shortly after he was named the 2023 International Karter of the Year at the Golden Wheel Awards.
Arion with his mom
At the time, the then-14-year-old racer was focused on one thing: winning on the track.
“It’s a big achievement. It’s something I’ve been really working hard for, to take this trophy home,” Crosby told me after receiving the prestigious recognition. “This is a dream come true. Karting is something I’ve poured my heart and soul into.”
Back then, Crosby was preparing for bigger challenges overseas after joining the respected Resultado Racing Team. His coach and mentors spoke highly of his discipline, determination, and maturity beyond his years. Even when the conversation briefly shifted to the possibility of entering show business someday, Crosby responded with a shy smile and admitted he had considered it.
Now, at 17, that possibility is becoming reality.
The Filipino-American karting champion is stepping into the entertainment industry, adding a new dimension to a journey that has so far been defined by speed, competition, and sporting success.
According to his manager, Neil de Guia, discussions about pursuing a career in show business did not happen overnight. The idea was explored for nearly a year before Crosby finally agreed to take the leap.
The turning point, de Guia shared, came through the encouragement of Crosby’s mother, Gemmalyn Bonghanoy-Crosby, who has long believed in her son’s potential beyond motorsports.
For Crosby, the decision is rooted in family.
“She’s been telling me I got what it takes, and for the longest time, I just want to make her happy and proud,” he said.
The support of his mother comes as no surprise. Years before Crosby began making headlines in karting, Bonghanoy-Crosby had already built her own reputation as an accomplished bodybuilder in the United States. Her influence helped shape the discipline and work ethic that have become hallmarks of her son’s character.
Despite entering a completely different field, Crosby believes many of the lessons he learned in racing will prove valuable.
“I think my exposure in sport will help me in this new direction. I will give it the same drive, passion, and discipline,” he said.
While many young athletes dream of crossing over into entertainment, Crosby approaches the opportunity with humility. He admits he is still learning the ropes and has limited knowledge of the local entertainment industry.
“I actually don’t know much about show business, particularly local show business,” he said. “But I’ve done workshops when I was younger and a photo shoot internationally.”
For now, his transition is being handled carefully. Rather than rushing into major acting projects, Crosby is focusing on preparation. He is currently attending acting workshops and improving his Filipino as he develops the skills necessary for a long-term career in front of the camera.
De Guia believes patience is key, noting that while studios and networks have already expressed interest, the priority remains training and gradual exposure through commercials and smaller opportunities.
Acting may be his newest pursuit, but Crosby’s ambitions remain as high as ever. He continues to dream of reaching Formula One while simultaneously exploring opportunities in entertainment. He has also expressed interest in music and modeling, revealing that he sings, plays guitar, and looks up to performers such as James Reid. His acting inspiration? No less than Hollywood actor Leonardo DiCaprio.
Whether he is racing around a circuit or standing in front of a camera, Crosby believes success comes down to the same principles.
“That’s what I learned doing sports from an early age — to keep my focus and ignore negativity,” he said.
Looking back at our conversation in 2024, it is remarkable to see how quickly Crosby’s story has evolved. The teenager who once spoke passionately about trophies, lap times, and international competitions is now preparing for a different kind of spotlight.
The destination may have expanded, but the qualities that fueled his rise in karting — discipline, focus, and determination remain unchanged. If those traits continue to guide him, Arion Crosby’s next chapter may prove just as promising as the one with karting.
