Enriquez, Buncio vie in Asian racing

MANILA, Philippines - Two of the best Filipino race riders in John Lery Enriquez and Maico Greg Buncio will carry the country’s color in the Asian Road Racing Championships that flags off on April 28-May 1 at the Sepang Circuit in Malaysia.

Both campaigning under the Team Suzuki banner, Buncio and Enriquez expressed optimism about their chances of winning the overall title in the six-leg race, notwithstanding the tough challenges coming from top riders of Japan, India, Indonesia and Malaysia.

The 21-year-old Enriquez is competing in underbone 115 behind his Smash 105 bike, while Buncio, the 2009 Superbike Open class national champion, sees action in the ST 600 category using his GSR 600 cc bike.

“We’re really optimistic about our chances. We’re training daily and ready to compete,” said Buncio, 22, who was guest in the weekly PSA Forum Tuesday at Shakey’s UN Avenue together with Enriquez, assistant team manager Mel Aquino and Suzuki PR manager Eileen Esteban.

The second leg of the event will be held in Sentul Circuit, Indonesia on June 9-12, followed by the races in Madras Circuit in India on Aug. 4-7.

Round 4 is set Sept. 8-11 in Autopolis Circuit in Japan, then goes to Zhuhai Circuit in China on Oct. 27-30, before it caps the series with the final leg in Losal Circuit in Qatar on Dec. 8-11.

“With Suzuki giving us its all-out support, we’re definitely going to join all six legs and vie for the overall title in the end,” said Enriquez in the same forum presented by Smart, Shakey’s and Pagcor.

Esteban said competing in such prestigious race readily gives exposure not only to the brand of motorcycle, but also to the riders themselves.

“This does not only showcase the Suzuki motorcycle, but how good Filipino riders as well,” she said. “You know, it takes two to tango. And in this case, it’s between man and machine.”