San Andres wraps up eighth rider-of-the-year title

MANILA, Philippines - Multi-titled rider Kenneth San Andres of Kawasaki-JBS Philippines wrapped up an eighth straight rider-of-the-year title at the conclusion of the NAMSSA Motocross Series recently at the Speedworld MX Circuit, SM Bicutan.

After the final leg of the series held under the auspices of the National Motorcycle Sports and Safety Association, San Andres was crowned overall champion of the Pro Open (MX1) at Pro 125 (MX2), leading his rivals for the honor by a mile.

“We have been blessed all these years,” said San Andres, who began his streak of NAMSSA Philippine National Motocross rider-of-the-year titles in 2008. “I wanted to end the season on a winning note and I’m glad I did just that.”

San Andres, an awardee for motocross of the Philippine Sportswriters Association (PSA) last year, is actually coming off a sweep of both the Pro Open and Pro 125 categories of the national series, also at the Speedworld.

The Valenzuela native is backed by Kawasaki Philippines, Motul Philippines, Oakley Philippines, Troylee Design, Gopro Philippines, Leatt Neck Brace, Pro Taper, Bell Helmet, Bridgestone Tires, Polisport, Foilacar Industries, Kia Global, Laus Auto Group, R33 Car Exchange, Xotics Carwash, Halrey, GCG Pipe, JBS Motorcycle Parts, JM stickers and GM Mark Lapid.

Last month, San Andres cemented his status as one of the world’s best riders after placing in the Top 10 (eighth) in the FIM Asian Motocross Championship Series in Kuala Terrenganu, in Malaysia from a field of 32 riders. His father-coach Junjun San Andres placed first runner-up in the Veterans Class of the same tournament.

In the Batam Indonesia International Motocross, San Andres finished sixth runner-up from a field of 22 of the world’s best riders.

“The ultimate dream is of course win the Asian title in the future,” said the 23-year-old San Andres, who nearly snagged the regional plum in 2011 year when he placed runner-up to Thailand veteran Arnon Theplib. “But I’m not in a hurry, I know my time will come.”