San Andres tries to wrap up rider-of-year title

MANILA, Philippines - Multi-titled rider Kenneth San Andres tries to formally wrap up another Rider of the Year title in the ninth and final leg of the NAMSSA National Motocross Series on Sunday at the Speedworld MX Circuit, SM Bicutan.

After eight legs of the series (Pro Open Round 3 was scrapped) held under the auspices of the National Motorcycle Sports and Safety Association (NAMSSA), San Andres totes a perfect 350 points in leading the premier Pro Open category, leading up-and-coming rider Jerrick Mitra and veteran Jovie Saulog for the honor by a mile. Each victory is worth 25 points, and each leg has two motos, meaning a perfect 50 points is at stake in each stage.

“We’re not about to let up,” said San Andres, the reigning NAMSSA Philippine National Motocross Rider of the Year. “I want to end the season on a winning note.”

San Andres, a major awardee of the Philippine Sportswriters Association (PSA) last year, is actually coming off a sweep of both the Pro Open and Pro 125 categories of the national series, also at the Speedworld, last Oct. 27 and 28, quashing the bids of both Mitra and Saulog and the attempts of Garry Gavino, Ralph Ramento, Migi Tolentino, Jolet Jao, plus six other veterans of the local circuit.

The Valenzuela native, who is backed by Oakley, Fox Racing, Go Pro, Polisport, HJC Helmet, Motul Philippines, Bridgestone Tires, Starting Line Magazine, EZ Trailer, GCG Pipe, JBS Motorcycle Parts and Accessories, also paces the Pro Open division with a leading 375 points.

San Andres also finished third runner-up in the FIM Asia Motocross/Supercross Championship, dubbed the Jack Enrile Namssa Asian Supercross Championship, which was the association’s way of paying tribute to the Cagayan Representative for his invaluable contributions to the development and promotion of motorcycle sports in the country.

“The ultimate dream is of course win the Asian title in the future,” said the 20-year-old San Andres, who nearly snagged the regional plum last year when he placed runner-up to Thailand veteran Arnon Theplib. “But I’m not in a hurry, I know my time will come.”