Motocross legend to be inducted to Hall of Fame

MANILA, Philippines - Motocross legend Edward Butch Chase will be inducted into the Hall of Fame during the 2014 Golden Wheel Awards Night on Feb. 28 as he joins the elite circle of motorsports greats during elaborate rites at the Samsung Hall of SM Aura in Fort Bonifacio Global City in Taguig City.

Chase was the unanimous choice of the Golden Wheel Foundation Inc. for his passion and significant contributions to the development of motorcycling racing as a crowd-drawing event and a strong racing industry.

He will be the latest motorsports great to be elevated to the Hall of Fame after the late Pocholo Ramirez  (2004), Dante Silverio (2009), Robert Aventajado (2010), Yu Beng Tek (2011), Francisco Ventura (2012) and Bienvenido Manalo last year.

Chase’s name had been synonymous with the Camel Motocross Series that drew record crowds in key cities and produced the likes of top motocross champions Jolet Jao, Jovie Saulog, Ernie Leongson and Glenn Aguilar.

He also pioneered the implementation of a well-defined system, particularly during the time when racing was banned due to fuel crisis, with clear-cut rules and regulations while helping unify the riders that firmed up the two-wheel racing’s role as a solid sports institution in the country.

Born Nov. 19, 1952 in Pasay City, Chase’s passion for the sport started when he received his first motorcycle bike on his 18th birthday. The hobby turned into a passion as he went from racing to putting up a business venture before coming up with cause-oriented advocacy for the welfare of motorcycle riders.

He joined motocross races in 1972 with a group of friends from Zambales and Angeles, Pampanga and posted a third place finish overall in the novice division that same year. He was then recruited to join the Suzuki team as its lead rider from 1975-1979 and proved his worth when he won the 1977 Rider of the Year honors.

Chase retired from competitive racing in 1982 and concentrated on his personal advocacy to sustain the growth of two-wheel racing. He has made Puerto Princesa his base since 1998.

Meanwhile, the selection for this year’s coveted Golden Wheel Driver of the Year will be a toss-up among nominated champions of the 2013 racing season.

They are:  Johnlery Enriquez (Scooters), Niño Fabian (Underbone racing), Dashi Watanabe (Superbikes), Glenn Aguilar (Motocross), Daniel Miranda (Karting), Gio Rodriguez (Drifting), Peewee Mendiola, MD (Slalom), Edison Dungca (4x4 Off Road), Bryan Bautista (Classic Cars), Jody Coseteng (Grand Touring) and Jonathan Tiu (Drag Racing).