Pacman Fever

15-year-old boy-wonder wows the grid at Carmona

A second year high school student of OB-Montessori Sta. Ana swept the grid in his first outing at the 5th leg of the Shell Advance Super Scooter Series 2003 in the Carmona Racing Circuit in Cavite last September 28.

Fifteen-year-old Maico Buncio started in 13th place at the 4-stroke 110-125cc under-bone (cub) Novice class on his modified 125cc Yamaha Crypton then methodically worked his way into 3rd place at the finish. His team mate in the Norkis-Yamaha-sponsored Hirano Racing Team, Geoffrey Aguisando took 1st place riding another Crypton followed by Mark Yamson on a Sky Go.

Buncio and his Yamaha then ran the Raider 125-class race, starting at the 10th spot on the grid. He ate up the competition in the 6-lap race and overtook Benjamin Dolores, Jr. (2nd) and Allan Reyes (3rd) to be the first to cross the finish line in a field of fifteen riders. The crowd was amazed by Buncio’s riding prowess and his methodical style of "eating" his competitors that he earned the moniker "Pacman Maico", reminiscent of the popular computer game character of the ’80s.

Even though the race was Maico’s first on a circuit track which was a lot different than the motocross races he had participated in, he showed the skill and maturity to mix it up with more seasoned riders. Team owner and ace Japanese motorcycle tuner Yushio Hirano did not expect such a great turnout for his team because they were only able to practice only thrice before the race.

Maico’s father, former motocross racer and owner of YRS Motorcycle Modifications Yoyong Buncio, was likewise evidently proud of his son’s circuit racing debut. He credits the performance of the Hirano-modified Yamaha Crypton for his son’s stellar debut as well as the support of Norkis Trading Corporation, specifically the support given to racing by SVP-Marketing Manuel Gaspar "Boy" Albos, Jr. He hopes that "Pacman Maico" will inspire young riders, especially those who are racing in the streets illegally, to seriously take up the sport and race professionally on a safe, controlled environment.

The 6th leg of the Shell Advance Super Scooter Series will be held on October 19, Sunday at the same venue. Watch out for "Pacman Maico"!