The kick-off leg is dubbed as the "Manuel Wagas Cup."
Rider of the Year awardee Irwin Uypitching of Dumaguete City is back to defend his title even as Cebuano bet Pepo Rubi, who failed to sustain a good start last year, will lead the cast of challengers to give the defending champion a run for his money.
Jubenile Abellar, who was Uypitching's closest rival for the overall crown in the expert's division, is also bidding to stop Dumaguete's pride from dominating again.
Jon-Jon Adlawan, John Flores, Norman Pautan, Andot Rubi, Nonoy Reluya, Donkey Sanchez, Ted Conde and Jed Luna are the other top riders to watch in the other divisions.
The kick-off leg is also supported by Engr. Santos Pepito Jr., Vincent Franco Frasco, Barangay captain Francisco Commendador, Melchor Ceasar Pepito, Nelly Bernardo Lopez, Norkis Yamaha Distributor and Crispin Noval.