Three-way clash looms for underbone plum

MANILA, Philippines - Top riders gear up for the final clash as the Clark International Speedway hosts the championship rounds of the 2009 Magnolia Health Tea Philippine Underbone King Championships and the 2009 BRC Superbikes Series tomorrow at the Clark Eco Zone in Angeles City.

Former underbone king Johnlery Enriquez of Suzuki, Fil-Japanese Masato Fernando and Superbikes champ Maico Buncio all seek crucial victories to push their respective bids in this event sanctioned by the National Motorcycle Sports and Safety Association (NAMSSA) and sponsored by San Miguel Corporation, Magnolia Health Tea, Aeromed, Inside Racing and Pagcor.

Enriquez is eyeing a second underbone king plum as he tries to capture the premier 150cc Open, 115cc Sports Production and 115cc. Open titles.

Fernando is looking forward to his first career title as he currently leads the standings while Buncio hopes to bounce back as he guns for another milestone bagging both the superbikes and the underbone king diadems.

But the race for the title could take an unexpected turn as it will be their first time to tackle the challenge of the Clark International Speedway.

Fernando now holds 221 points, enjoying a five-point advantage over Buncio who slipped to second with 216 following a dismal show at Carmona. Buncio is also eyeing the 130cc Open crown against Anthony Roman.

Enriquez, fresh from a sweep of the 150cc Open class at the Carmona Race Track, moved to third overall with 198 points. Aside from that, he’s also second overall behind Suzuki teammate Paul Mark Doblada in both the 115cc Sports Production and 115cc Open classes.