MANILA, Philippines - Foreign champions from compe ting countries are expected to give Filipinos a tough time for the overall crown of the 2009 Motocross Masters of Asia – Puerto Princesa International Motocross Grand Prix set Feb. 27-March 1 at the Sta. Monica International Racetrack in Puerto Princesa City.
Defending champion Erdenbileg Khaliunbold of Mongolia will lead the tough cast of world-caliber riders set to arrive Tuesday next week for the biggest motorcycle motorsports spectacle sponsored by the City of Puerto Princesa, Philippine Charity Sweepstakes, Oakley, Castrol, CTI Knee Brace, Department of Tourism, Petron 4T, Insideracing and HJC helmets.
This is the third year that Khaliunbold will be competing in the event and has lured quite a big fan base from among Puerto Princesa City constituents impressed with his skills and daredevil acts.
Two years back, Khaliunbold showed great signs as a rookie when he wound up seventh in the Motocross Masters of Asia and 10th overall in the Asian Motocross series. He vastly improved the following year and eventually captured the Asian motocross.
But the Sta. Monica International Racetrack appears to be a big challenge for Khaliunbold as the Mayor Edward Hagedorn Cup, a sterling silver trophy coming from the city’s chief, has eluded him for the second time last year after finishing only 10th.
He will be backed up by three riders – Boldbautar Gan-od, Temuujin Khadbaatar and rookie Dashdondog Ochirsukh – but this year could turn a lot tougher with equally tough rivals out to foil his title defense.
Indonesia remains a big threat with Alex Wiguna, who’ll be gunning for a back-to-back crown in the said event.
Iran is also hoping to become another power in Asian Motocross behind Mojtaba Karimazadeh and Amireza Sabetifar who are eyeing to improve their last year’s 9th and 11th place finish, respectively.
Among the other Asian champs who have confirmed their participation are Suzuki factory rider and 2002 Japanese National Champ-freestyle rider Sinichi Kaga who will be the main instructor of AMSA Asian Motorcycle Sports Academy clinic; Hong Kong’s Vincent Lai, Team Honda Thailand, Team Yamaha Jaw DID Thai, China’s Su Wen Min and Aep Dadang Indonesia Supercross Champ. Other 85cc junior riders of Iran and Mongolia are expected to arrive as well.
Details: Motocross Masters of Asia: wwww.namssa.org or www.asiamx.org or email namssa01@hotmail.com or call 0917.847.9785.