Pepo Rubi leads pack of riders in MS Motosuit’s farewell race

CEBU, Philippines - Pepo Rubi, Cebu’s living legend in motocross, leads a bunch of daredevils who will be flaunting their suave riding skills in the final action of the MS Motosuit Motocross Series tomorrow at Sugtonggan racetrack in Brgy. Basak, Lapu-Lapu City.

It is not a usual thing especially in the locality to formally announce the end of an event that has somehow made an impact in the Cebu sports scene for nearly two decades.

But Lou Ornopia, the man behind the tremendous rise of motocross in this part of the country, does not want to keep everybody guessing on his next move that is why he turned this Sunday's race billed as the "2nd Brgy. Capt. Isabelito Darnayla Motocross Cup" as the finale of the annual series he started eight years ago.

The award-winning Cebuano businessman-sportsman will formally drop off the curtain of his motocross series as he will be shifting to underbone and scooter racing next year in partnership with FDR Tires.

In the tournament proper backstopped by the Basak Barangay Council and Casino Filipino, the ageless Rubi is expected to give his best shot and make an impression in the 'farewell race" of MS Motosuit.

Rubi currently leads the battle for the coveted 'Rider of the Year' award with 167 points in the expert division. He is actually the virtual champ in the said category as his closest pursuer, the crowd-darling John Flores, lags behind by 48 points.

Dondon Yuson runs at third place in the overall standings with 109 points, while Jon-Jon Adlawan, who had been missing in action for most part of this year's tilt, is a far fourth with 77 points.

Rubi also has the pro open title in his bag with 193 points followed by Yuson with 107 points and Adlawan with 77.

Flores still has something to look forward though to as he stays in contention for the top honors in the intermediate class.

Martin Nunez, on the other hand, is the front-runner in the novice open with 148 points.

Also expected to show up tomorrow are the leading riders in other categories that include Donkey Sanchez in the open enduro with 193 points, BJ Bepito in the mini 65 with 200 points and the mini 85 with 185, Sergio Chua in the executive C with 137 points, JC Obligado in the local enduro with 194 points, Denmark Supatan in the beginners production with 184 points, Jun Enriquez in executive B with 204 points and Roscel Gungob in executive A with 2`05 points. (FREEMAN)