B-day boy Adlawan shines in FIM Asian Supercross

CEBU, Philippines - Promising Cebuano rider Jon Eleazar “Jon-Jon” Adlawan gave himself a timely birthday gift after he came out as the lone Filipino to make it to the top five in the Asian 125 class of the FIM Asian Supercross Championships recently in Puerto Princesa, Palawan.

Though he is not actively racing in the national circuit, Adlawan showed he is getting far behind than the rest by cruising to his best ever finish in the pro category.

It was a sweet redemption of sort for Adlawan as he had some misfortune in the national open action, an event set to spice up the international battle.

Adlawan, an honoree during the 29th SAC-SMB All-Cebu Sports Awards last month, made a holeshot in the first heat but ran out of gas literally causing him a DNF (did not finish). Despite a first place finish in the second heat, he still failed in his title bid.

The University of San Carlos student, however, gamely bounced back by making it to the top five in the international race won by Arnon “Turbo” Theplib of Thailand. Japan’s Tomoya "Kamikaze" Suzuki placed second followed by Thai Arunkrung Pinpon.

Another USC student in John Flores also made waves in Palawan, finishing second in the novice class against a host of seasoned and upcoming riders, while Jonathan Cuyos landed third in the executive class despite a mishap in the initial heat.

Seigfred Ornopia and his children also had a good time after all of them made it to the top five in their respective classes. Keiz BJ Racing big boss Seigfred landed fifth in the executive class, while his five-year-old son Keizer topped the peewee 7-below and placed fifth in the 9-below.

Brylle Ornopia, Seigfred’s eldest son, came out fourth in the 65cc, while his other brother, Ken Kerry, was second in the peewee A and fifth in the peewee B.