Pineda, Ornopias shine in Keiz BJ motocross

CEBU, Philippines - Kimboy Pineda led the winners' cast, even as the Ornopia siblings stole part of the spotlight in the opening leg of the 1st Keiz BJ Motors Motocross Series billed as "Double Birthday Celebration Motocross Competition" at the Caduawan race course in the municipality of Tabogon north of Cebu.

Pineda topped the expert division after edging out Jovie Saulog and the crowd-darling John Flores. Jubenile Abellar and Rex Barbaso occupied the next two spots.

The Ornopias also made their marks, with birthday boy Ken Kerry Jean lording it over in the mini class 65, Bryle in the mini class 85 and Keizer in the peewee category.

Jonathan Cuyos, the other birthday celebrator, gave himself a timely present by dominating the executive B and C divisions. He beat the likes of Jonathan Magan, Tata Omoli, Nandiong Pepito and Felipe Montejo in the executive C, while Nanding Pepito and Dondon Famador completed the top three cast in the executive B.

Jonathan's son Jeb Cuyos also had a podium finish after landing fifth in the pewee division.

In executive A, Rusell Gungob took home the title, while Titing Sicad and Butch Flores wound up second and third.

Despite placing only third in the expert, Flores had something to cheer about as he ruled the intermediate category after outsmarting Cyril Tariman and Rex Barbaso.

Ray Quirol also shone brightly with a double championship crown on his head via the local enduro and beginners selection.

He bested Jin Quirol, Dodong Batiquin, John Hisoler and Ray Bush in the local enduro, and then outclassed Dan Andrei Gastador, Roland Pepito, Dodong Batuquin, and Bryle Ornopia in the beginners selection.

RK Cuesta came out the fastest in the ladies/bugno sila category followed by Lyka Cuyos, Noah Mangubat, Sunny Girl Largosa and Michelle Cuesta, while Ray Bush won the 'wanggits' race over Dencio Barbajo, Celfred Espina, Esoy Cuesta and Tonyo Capadiso.

In the 'habal-habal' action, Kent Limpag was the best of them all followed by Mark Lee Frasco, Ronnel Salde, John Flores and Tata Ursabia.

Organized by Keiz BJ Motors big boss Seigfred Ornopia, himself a decorated motocrosser, the event ended up with flying colors through the support of Mufflerhaus, Haojue Philippines, JRC Marketing, RMO Motorparts, NC Racing, KC Cycle Tech and Orting Lauranilla.

The second leg of the year-long series is scheduled July 17 with no confirmed venue. – THE FREEMAN