MANILA, Philippines – Imagine Flavio of Ang Panday riding a motorcycle and doing a lap or two inside a racetrack, instead of wielding a sword to combat evil. Now, that would be a sight. But maybe not totally far-fetched.
Richard Gutierrez, the lead actor of TV5’s Ang Panday, has ventured into the world of motorcycle racing with the launch of the RGutz Racing Team. In partnership with Wheeltek, the country’s leading motorcycle dealership and powered by Kawasaki, the team will compete in the 2016 Philippine National Superbike Series.
As the team owner, Richard wants the RGutz team to not only win the 2016 season but to also help promote the motorsports industry, especially two-wheel racing in the country. “Hopefully, we can inspire many people and younger riders with this partnership,” he said.
The star of such hit series as Mulawin and Sugo is a long-time motorcycle-racing enthusiast. During his hiatus from television, he was also often seen riding his motorcycle around the country as well as watching international races.
Richard is not the only showbiz personality who got into the world of motorsports. Fellow film and TV actor Richard Gomez participated in a Motorcross championship in his early years, also in the name of promoting the sport.
“That’s why we pursue this year to build the team and team up with Wheeltek and Kawasaki because it’s going to create something new and exciting for the whole sport. Things were changing in the motorsports community even before we created the RGutz Racing Team, and that’s very good for the sport,” Richard said.
He wants more people to be aware of motorsports and spread the word about it “so that we can compete in the international level in the near future.”
Aside from the Superbike Series, the RGutz Racing Team will conduct a series of riding clinics for both new and experienced riders so as to help them elevate their racing experience.
“We want the sport to grow, we want the sport to be on TV and we want the people to watch the sport. We will do our part in promoting the sport and our team.”
He also hopes the sport gets media mileage in different platforms. “I think it will be a win-win situation for everyone. Gusto ko nga televised na ito. That’s one of my goals.”
Piloting for RGutz Racing Team will be defending champion Raniel Resuello.
Does Richard see himself racing again? “Yes, it’s one of my goals. I’ve always been competitive when it comes to sports ever since I was young. But of course, motorcycle racing has a lot of risks involved. I need to finish first all my TV obligations before I can start racing. But, I’ll be practicing soon.”