Ornopia girds for bigger, grander motocross race

In line with its silver anniversary, Cebuano sports patron Lou Ornopia is cooking up a bigger and grander motocross race two months from now at the MS Motosuit Motorsports Park in Barangay Calambua, San Remigio north of Cebu.

With that in mind, the 25th Ornopia Cup powered by MS Motosuit set for April 14 promises to be one of the most exciting events in the history of Cebu motocross.

“Ato gyud ni panindoton kay ika-25 ka tuig ni nga kasumaran sa atong way puas nga pagpahigayon og motocross dinhi sa Sugbo. Proud kaayo ta nga naka-abot ta ani nga milestone ilabi na kay way laing nakahimo niini dinhi kita ra gyud,” said Ornopia, the MS Motosuit big boss who established the longest running motocross spectacle in this side of the archipelago way back in 1997.

Through the years, the Ornopia Cup has become a breeding ground for some of the country’s top riders and racing legends who also made waves on the international stage in the mold of Pepo and Popeye Rubi, Irwin Uypitching, Jon-jon Adlawan, Bornok Mangosong, Donkey Sanchez, Jubenile Abellar, John Flores, and BJ Pepito to name a few.

“Daghan-daghan sab ta na-produce nga dekalibreng mga riders nga nakahimo og pangan sa Philippine racing circuit and also abroad. Ato ni silang garbo mao na nga mohatag sab ta og pasidungog alang sa 25 MS Motosuit Racing Greats aron mas mahinungdanon ang umaabot nato nga kalihukan,” said Ornopia, the acknowledged “father of Cebu motocross”.

For his invaluable contribution and selfless dedication in the promotion and development of this extreme sport, Ornopia was once honored as “Sportsman of the Year” by the prestigious Sportswriters Association of Cebu (SAC). He is also a TOCA  (The Outstanding Cebuano Award) awardee.

Aside from huge cash prizes, Ornopia said there will be a lot of giveaways and fabulous raffle prizes not only for the participants but also for the fans.

“Akong seguradoon nga dili lamang kulbahinam ug makalingaw ang atong kompetisyon, dunay sab tay mga pakulo ug daghan ta og premyo nga ipanghatag dili lamang sa mga riders nga moapil apan hasta sab sa mga manan-away. Gusto nako nga malipay ang tanan, magmabulokon ug dili mahikalimtan kining espesyal nato nga lumba,” Ornopia continued.

Ornopia said the success of their upcoming event would serve as benchmark on his plan to revive the MS Motosuit race series.

“Usa gyud na sa atong plano kay daghan na kaayo ang nag-agni nako nga ibalik atong race series. Hopefully, ato nang mabuhat karong tuiga uban ang tabang ug suporta sa tanan,” Ornopia ended.