Watanabe moves closer to Bridgestone super plum

MANILA, Philippines - Teen ace rider Dashi Watanabe posted his fourth straight win in the Bridgestone Philippine Superbikes Series at the Clark International Speedway in Pampanga recently and moved closer to a coveted feat.

With 100 points total, the Fil-Japanese actually has the title under wraps with another victory in the next race on his Aprilia Superbike to formally seal his claim on the Superbikes Rider of the Year plum.

Watanabe bested defending champion Raniel Resuello of Ducati RAR Castrol Motolite Racing in impressive fashion, starting out strong and bucking the curves to pull away from the main pack en route to victory.

He did slow down following a drizzle but Watanabe remained way too far off his rivals, completing the abbreviated six-lap race in 11 minutes and 57.189 seconds or 4.3 seconds ahead of Resuello.

Marvin Mangulabnan came in third while Ducati riders John Defensor and Mikko Mannerkorpi placed fourth and fifth, respectively, in the event which served as part of the 2013 Petronas Philippine Motorsports Championships Season.

Mangulabnan again captured the Superbikes Intermediate crown over Mannerkorpi and Rizaldy Canare while another Ducati rider Vince Mercado bagged the Superbikes Novice title over Canare and Rommel Florante.

Team Ducati Philippines posted another 1-2-3 finish in the Superbikes Masters class behind champion John Defensor, runner-up Toti Alberto and third placer Charles Nolasco.

Aries Padiernos dominated the 400cc. class over Ernanie Alcantara and Marlone Teng while Ian Mortimer emerged the 400cc. novice champion over Martin Defensor and Dominic Pible in the event sanctioned by Superbikes Racing Association (SBRA) and 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.

Rizaldy Canare also bagged the Moto IR crown over Masato Fernando and Dustin Esguerra.

Meanwhile, the next leg will be held Sept. 1 at the Batangas Racing Circuit.  For details, contact Batangas Racing Circuit c/o Nelson Gayola or Rodini Rivera at (632) 729-72 41-42, 729-5365 or fax 844-7766, or 0922 8858410.