MANILA, Philippines — Reghis “RG” Romero V of Club 200 continued his ascent to racing stardom as he recently claimed a third Philippine Superbike Championship crown, this time in the Intermediate Class following a calculated ride at the Clark International Speedway.
The 29-year-old Romero needed to place fifth or higher to secure his third superbike title following his coronation as PSBK Rookie of the Year in 2019 and novice class overall titlist last year.
Romero, who is backed by Army Navy, Aprilia Philippines, Club 200, Motul Infinit serve, Kyt Philippines, Alpine Stars Philippines, Jyp Racing Entertainment, Rosario Bikes Racing Team, Zero2podium Riding School, Orion Exhaust, Black Flag Designs PH, Caballero Gear, R-II Builders, Prime Homes, Latched, Iclick and Pugad Photography, finished fifth to accomplish his goal.
He snared the intermediate class crown by seven points against the powerful Ducati Factory Team.
“I knew there was no need to push for victory as my mind was set for the championship,” said Romero, who was also a former Rookie of the Year Golden Wheel awardee.
What makes the feat more impressive is the fact that Romero went up against riders with more powerful racing machines.
“This season is the toughest that I’ve had in my six-year racing career, with the level of competition getting higher every year. I am using an Aprilia RSV4 1100 factory, going up against competitors with machines that have been riding for the past five years. It is a big change for me switching manufacturers, but I am happy to say that I have proved that it is definitely not the bike, but the rider,” Romero reasoned out.
“I am now a three-time PSBK (Philippine Superbike) champion,” he said.
Now that Romero is slowly but surely carving a niche for himself in superbike racing, slowing down is the last thing on his mind.
“Next year I will be joining the Expert Class with the top riders in the country. The 2023 season starts in March next year, but for now, I would like to focus on my work, family and my three kids,” he said.
Romero began racing in 2008 in karting, saying it was his dream to win the sport’s Rookie of the Year award, which however, eluded him. Eleven years later in 2019, the Club 200 standout finally fulfilled his dream of bagging the Golden Wheel top rookie title, this time as a superbike racer. Two years later in 2021, Romero showed that his victory in the PSBK was no fluke as he ran away with the Novice title and the 2021 Ducati Cup in a dominant show that fortified his status as two-wheel racing’s brightest rising star.
He levelled up this season and raced in the higher Intermediate Class and again proved his dominance.
“I would like to thank God, my family, my wife and my father who has been supporting me ever since. I also want to thank my sponsors who supported me throughout the season as without them, becoming the intermediate class champion is impossible,” said Romero.