Caltex riders lead RP bid in UAE motocross

Caltex-KTM-Revtex star riders Glenn Aguilar and Bebet dela Cruz lead a four-man Philippine team to the 2003 FIM (Federacion Internationale de Motorcyclisme) Motocross Continental Championship at the Umm Al Quwain, United Arab Emirates tomorrow.

Aguilar, who is rated No. 3 in the Asian standings, will have his hands full against the best riders from Australia, Japan, New Zealand, Malaysia, India, Sri Lanka, Singapore and the Middle East nations in the one-day race opening FIM’s 2003 season.

Six-time national rider of the year, Aguilar will also have a chance to test his latest KTM 2003 bike in the UAE event, which awards $1,000 to the first placer.

"I am confident of a good showing there because of my new bike, which is the latest and strongest of its kind in the sport today," said Aguilar, who is also supported by Dreambikes, Oakley, Pro Grip and HJC Helmets.

Even Dela Cruz, the up-and-coming Caltex No. 2 rider known for his daredevil maneuvers, is upbeat of his chances, vowing to make an impression right in his very first taste of international competition.

Revtex team manager Ner Marquez Dormiendo said that the Caltex organization is 100 percent behind the two riders.

"Aguilar has won several international tournaments in the past, so hindi na bago sa kanya ang ganitong klase ng competition. With all of his injuries behind him now, I’m sure he won’t let us down and make us all proud," said Marquez.

The two Caltex riders are being sent to UAE under the auspices of the National Motorcycle Sports and Safety Association (NAMSSA).