Watanabe rides Aprilia superbike to super win

MANILA, Philippines - Phenomenal teen ace rider Dashi Watanabe further proved the power of his Aprilia Superbike as he controlled the tempo from start to finish to make it three in a row recently in the third leg of the 2013 Bridgestone Philippine Superbikes Series at the Clark International Speedway.

The one-second edge of Watanabe’s laptime against defending champion Raniel Resuello of Ducati RAR Castrol Motolite Racing in the qualifying time trials was a big indication of his impending triumph in the Superbikes Open class that fortified his solo leadership in this event which is part of the 2013 Petronas Philippine Motorsports Championships Season sanctioned by Superbikes Racing Association (SBRA) sponsored by Petronas, Bridgestone as the official Superbikes tires and media partners Racing Beat @ Wave 89.1, Inside Motoring @ DZRJ810khz and Motorsiklo Xklusibo @ DZME 1530.

It was a close fight during the first two laps of the race but the Aprilia rider continuously gained distance after each lap that Watanabe wrapped up the eight-lap race way ahead by 4.874 seconds over Resuello.

With the feat, Watanabe hiked his total to 75 points against Resuello’s 56 points.

Marvin Mangulabnan of HGM took third place in the Superbikes Open class while Team Ducati’s Mikko Mannerkorpi and Petronas rider Benjo Mendoza wound up fourth and fifth, respectively.

Mangulabnan eventually copped the Superbikes Intermediate crown over runner-up Jussi Hoikka and third placer Mannerkorpi while Jordan Gaw emerged the Superbikes Novice champion over Rommel Florante and third placer Vince Mercado.

Team Ducati Philippines again made it a 1-2-3 finish in the Superbikes Masters class behind champion John Defensor with Toti Alberto and Charles Nolasco checking in second and third.

Sharing the limelight were Aries Padiernos who emerged the 400cc. Unlimited champion over Ernanie Alcantara and Ian Mortimer who copped the 400cc. Novice title over runner-up Martin Defensor and third placer Dominic Pible.

Tracy Soyangco also bagged the Moto IR crown over runner-up Masato Fernando and third placer Rizaldy Canare.

The next leg is set July 28 also at the Clark International Speedway.  For further details, interested parties may call up  the Batangas Racing Circuit c/o Nelson Gayola or Rodini Rivera at (632) 729-72 41-42, 729-5365 or fax 844-7766, Mobile # 0922 8858410.