Cotter, Mannerkorpi zoom off with Ducati crowns

MANILA, Philippines - Two amateur foreign riders provided the sparkle and drama as they stamped their class over a field of 18 new talents in a blockbuster start of the Ducati Cup 2013 recently at the Batangas Racing Circuit.

Peter Cotter won the crown, with Mikko Mannerkorpi at second, in the premier Ducati Overall Open class of the inaugural event which drew motorcycle aficionados who came in droves to see heart-stopping action of riders aboard the stylish, classy and high-performing Ducatis in various events.

Cotter completed the six-lap race in 10 minutes, 34.078 seconds, beating Mannerkorpi (4.319), Nikki Romero (third), Benjamin Ladra (fourth) and Dennis Peralta (fifth).

John Defensor checked in third overall in the race, just 0.139 seconds behind Mannerkorpi to clinch the Ducati Masters crown, 0.898 of a second ahead of runner-up Toti Alberto. Veteran rider Miguel Bichara finished third, Richard Panlilio fourth and Rey Relativo fifth.

Relativo also ruled the Ducati Super Seniors class over Benjamin Ladra.

Team Ducati Philippines also weighed heavily in the Superbikes Series kickoff with the 1-2-3- finish of Defensor, Alberto and Charles Nolasco in the Superbikes Masters class.

Defending superbikes champion Raniel Resuello clinched the runner-up crown in the Superbikes Expert class. Marvin Mangulabnan was third in the Intermediate class, and Jan Vincent Mercado and Nikki Romero runner-up and third, respectively, in the Superbikes Novice division.

Joining the roster of winners were Charlie Carlos (Ducati Novice division), Charles Nolasco (Naked class) and Jan Vincent Mercado (Intermediate).

The next leg is set June 22-23 at the Clark International Speedway while the championship round is set Oct. 19-20 also at the Clark International Speedway.

 Interested participants may call up the Ducati Cup secretariat thru Cat at 0927-3100529 or 725-0897 or Aileen at 0917-5205938 for further information about the Ducati Cup Series 2013.