Hardly bothered by the injury that greatly affected his chances in the national championship this year, Aguilar outduelled Ernie Leongson and three other Shell-Yamaha riders in a tight and exciting battle to clinch the title before a mammoth weekend crowd in this one-day event organized by Hartebeest Entertainment Corp. and iSport of Vigan and sanctioned by the Philippine Association of Motorcycle Riders, Inc. (PAMRI).
Aguilar received P10,000 and trophy put up by Ilocos Sur Gov. DV Savellano, Vigan Mayor Eva Medina and Ronald Singson.
The win was a fitting vindication for Aguilar, who lost to the national championship to Leongson following a spate of injuries this year.
Marilen Nunez of Hartebeest said more than 185 riders from all over the country, including Manila and several Visayas cities, participated in the prestigious event.
Equally impressive was Jovie Saulog of Shell-Yamaha, who defeated Aguilar, Leongson, Bebet de la Cruz and Jing Leongson in the pro 125 class.
Saulog, the country’s winningest rider with seven titles to his credit, received P6,000 and trophy.
The other notable winners in the event sponsored by Bench, No Fear, Itti Shoes, Partas, Aboitiz, Satrap Trucking, Petron 2T Oil, PAGCOR, Jollibee and Chowking were PJ Alabanza (expert), Sam Tamayo (power enduro), Nani Pazcoguin (executive), Carlo Rodriguez (open production), Lito Valencia (dual sport), Nonoy Abraham (beginner production), Jimboy Marcelo (mini), Chris Bengua (local enduro) and Jackris Domingo (scooter open).