Over 100 riders to join 5th leg of Keiz BJ motocross series

CEBU, Philippines - Over a hundred riders from Cebu and other areas in the Vis-Min region are expected to showcase their skills in the fifth leg of the Keiz BJ Motors and Phoenix Cyclomax Titan Invitational Motocross this Sunday at a specially-designed racetrack in Upper Pagsabungan, Mandaue City.

"We're expecting a huge number of participants because it's been almost a decade since a motocross race has been held here. The Mandauehanons are really craving for this kind of event and I'm happy that we're able to do it," said Keiz BJ Motors big boss Siegfred Ornopia in a press conference yesterday at Family Choice Restaurant along Gorordo Avenue, this city.

Ornopia was joined by his wife Ellen, sons Brylle, Kenken and Keizer, race director Romeo Ouano, Geoffrey Viñalon of Phoenix Petroleum Philippines, Inc. and Edmund Pingkian of Haojue Philippines.

Ornopia said they have invited some of the country's top daredevils to spice up the event including Phl No.2 rider Dondon Yuson, Wilson Famorca of Iloilo and Fil-Am Remi Scott of Dumaguete City.

From the local side, the stars to watch out for are the Abellar brothers Juvenelle and Jovannie Abellar, the ageless Pepo Rubi, Cyril Tariman of Casili, Janjan Baluyos of Ozamiz City and Wilbert Maraño of the Rowee Racing Team.

Pagsabungan's pride Brylle Ornopia will defend his fort against visiting riders Froilan Torralba, PJ Galla of Maasin City, Andrei Gastador of Daanbantayan and JP Cuesta in the 85cc division, while his younger brother Kenken will prove his worth in the 65cc class against Mark Mendaros of Talamban and Peewee Galla of Maasin City.

Keizer also hopes to follow in the footsteps of his decorated father as he sees action in the peewee division.

The other categories to be contested are the intermediate, executive A and B, local enduro, habal-habal selection limited edition and habal-habal & wanggits showdown.

As an added treat for the spectators, Ornopia said they will be raffling off a brand new Yamaha motorcyle on top of the freebies that will be given away by the sponsors.

Cash prizes, on the other hand, will be handed out to the top finishers.

Held as one of the highlights of Pagsabungan's annual fiesta in honor of Our Lady of Lourdes on February 25, the race is co-presented by Phoenix Petroleum Phils. and Haojue Phils. in association with Jun Mahusay, Reynante Tigue and WRW Enterprises.

Also supporting the event are Aki Montecillo, Engr. Juanito Gerona, RMO Motorparts, Jeoffrey Basalo, Pagsabungan barangay officials under the leadership of Brgy. Capt. Andres Suson, Hon. Bubbles Suson, Major Philip Montejo, Doning Goc-ong, Jr. and Diamond Lumber of Cebu boxing promoter Rex ‘Wakee’ Salud.

For further details, one may contact 360-2873 or 0923-8290932. - THE FREEMAN