Pirelli National motorcycle racing: Cebu’s Christwil Villanueva crowned overall champion

CEBU, Philippines — Multi-titled Cebuano rider Christwil Villanueva delivered what is perhaps the greatest performance of his career on the way to emerge as overall champion of the 2024 Petron Pirelli National Motorcycle Racing Championship at the Clark International Speedway in Mabalacat, Pampanga over the weekend.

Brimming with confidence each time he steps on the racetrack, Villanueva was a dominant force from the get go, topping all six rounds of the adrenaline-pumping contest to reign supreme in the elite 300cc category.

Villanueva figured in closely-fought battle against Benedict “Motodeck” Maniquis, a well known racing champ who is also a vlogger, in the sixth and final round but the pride of Talisay City held his ground to complete a spectacular season sweep and earn the bragging rights as the fastest rider in Yamaha R3 category.

“First of all,  I thank God for keeping me safe and for giving me strength in every race. I am also extremely grateful to my parents and my sponsors, without them I could not have achieve this,” said Villanueva, a multi-sport athlete who is also into basketball and triathlon.

“Honestly, I really did not expect to win the overall title since my only goal is to be trained by coach Joey Storm so I can improve my riding skills and ride safely,” Villanueva added. “But he sees a potential in me and that’s how it all started.”

The 18-year-old Villanueva shared that focus, determination and discipline are the key factors to his success.

On the heels of his glorious moment, Villanueva braces for another mission as the official representative of Harley-Davidson Philippines in the Track Day Masterclass wherein motorcycle race world champion James Rispoli of the United States will also be joining on October 25-30 at the Bira Circuit in Pattaya, Thailand.

During that period, Villanueva will also be taking part in some activities of Thailand’s Moto Grand Prix at the Chang International Circuit in Buriram. — (FREEMAN)