Suzuki, Theplib to renew Asian Moto feud

MANILA, Philippines - Japanese ace Tomoya Suzuki goes all-out to reclaim the 125cc/MX2 crown in the FIM Asia Motocross Championship (AMSC) which unfolds in Puerto Princesa City, Palawan this weekend.

Suzuki vows to regain the crown he won three years ago following back-to-back runner-up finishes in Asia’s premiere championship event for off-road motorcycling.

But Thailand’s reigning two-time champion Arnon Theplib is all-primed up for a three-peat, guaranteeing power-packed, exciting action.

For the 10th straight year, Puerto Princesa City, headed by Mayor Edward Hagedorn, is hosting the Philippine leg of the 2013 FIM Asia Motocross Supercross Championship with support from promoter Extremeworx and organizer National Motorcycle Sports and Safety Association (NAMSSA). Other backers are Repsol, HJC Helmets, Shakey’s, Du Ek Sam Inc. Puerto Princesa, Honda Prestige Puerto Princesa, Asia Brewery Inc. and Otto Shoes.

Hagedorn, also the event’s guest-of-honor, will do the ceremonial flag-off after the short opening ceremony Sunday.

Riders, teams and officials from Guam, Australia, Sri Lanka, Mongolia, Hong Kong, Japan, Thailand, New Zealand, United Kingdom and the Philippines have confirmed participation.

The event also features Thai moto sensation Jugkrit Suksripaisan and the 23-year old Japanese journeyman Hiroshi Kawamura while reigning National Motocross Rider of the Year Kenneth San Andres heads the local challenge.

Action in the Asian Junior category will be a toss-up among back-to-back Asian Junior 85cc title holder and recent Tony Siddayao Award recipient Mark Reggie Flores, 2012 Philippine National Junior 85cc champion Gabriel Macaso and Jacques Gunawardena from Sri Lanka.

Guam’s Stanley Yasuhiro also shoots for back-to-back titles in the Asian Veterans category against Mike Zolin, Gimo Gonzales and Junjun San Andres.

For details on the FIM Asia Motocross Championship and other NAMSSA events and activities, visit www.namssa.com and the NAMSSA Secretariat Facebook Page.