Petronas-Yamaha riders sizzle in Moto ‘Race of Champions’

CEBU, Philippines - Promising daredevils from Team Petronas-Mackyworx-Yamaha led by Vingie Coloma shone brightly during the MotoROC (Race of Champions) National Finals over the weekend at the Aseana City in Manila.

The 22-year-old Coloma nailed what is by far the biggest win of his racing career after he dominated the 4 Automatic Scooter 160 expert. It was actually a 1-2 finish for Petronas-Yamaha as Coloma's teammate Cliford Bacus took the first runner-up honors.

"The win came as a big surprise for me. I really did not expect to take home the champion's trophy because I was up against the country's top riders," said the Davao City-native Coloma, who is also backed up by Racing Boy, Yushimura, DID and FDR Tires.

Dumaguete's pride Axl Teves, on the other hand, wound up second in the 4 Automatic Scooter 160 novice race, while Enzo Teves also landed at second place in the 115cc Super Stock novice category.

Prior to making waves in the MotoROC grand finale, the Petronas-Yamaha stalwarts also stamped their classes in other big events they joined, including back-to-back legs of the Visayas-Mindanao Regional Underbone Grand Prix (RUGP) Series, the most recent was held last month at the Gaisano Countrymall parkling lot.

Three weeks ago, they were also a dominant force during the Cebu qualifying of the MotoROC.

"I am very thankful to God for giving us this series of victories. Our profound gratitude also goes to our sponsors for their all-out support that inspires us along the way," said Petronas-Yamaha team consultant Neil Labrador in a press conference yesterday at Porto's Diner & Grille located in Escario Central. "I'm proud to say that we're the youngest team to excel in a very short span of time. We've been formed in only less than two years, yet we already made an impact in every major race we joined in."

Another daunting task awaits Team Petronas-Yamaha as they head to Bayawan City in Negros Oriental this Thursday for the fifth leg of the Vis-Min RUGP Series slated this weekend.

"I will be bringing in eight riders and 11 motorcycles to Bayawan so our chances of reaping more honors once again are bright," said Labrador, whose team is mainly sponsored by Petronas Phils. and Yamaha in association with Motoworld, LS2 Helmets, Suzuki Phils., NCX Mufflers, MTRT, MS Motosuit, Izumi, and Porto's Diner & Grille.— EBV (FREEMAN)