With a grateful heart, Irwin Uypitching gives back to Ornopia Motocross Cup

CEBU, Philippines — Irwin Noel Ramas Uypitching has carved his own niche in Philippine sports through motocross racing.

Now, it’s payback time for this champion sportsman who is now an established businessman.

For this reason, Uypitching is donating a brand new RUSI Moped 125cc motorcycle to be raffled off in the highly anticipated 25th Ornopia Motocross Cup slated on April 14 at the MS Motosuit Motorsports Park in Barangay Calambua, San Remigio, Cebu.

“Time to pay it forward for old times sake knowing that Ornopia Cup is a prestigious event and has played a big part of my motocross racing career for several years,” said the 44-year-old daredevil from Dumaguete City.

As a rider, Uypitching’s first major achievement was winning the expert and intermediate division titles of the 2000 PLDT National Supercross Series.

At that time, he was part of the Shell-Yamaha national team after being recruited by Dan Ramirez. His teammates back then were a slew of Phl motocross legends in Jovie Saulog, Ernie Leongson, Popeye Rubi, Jing Leongson, Jolet Jao, and Weng Yaparcon.

The following year, he pulled off another golden double in the 2001 WGA National Supercross Series.

Sustaining his momentum, Uypitching seized two championship trophies in the expert pro division during the 2007 and 2008 seasons of the MS Motosuit Motocross Series organized by Lou Ornopia, the acknowledged “Father of Cebu motocross”. That made him a back-to-back “Rider of the Year” awardee of Ornopia Cup during those years.

After that, he gradually laid low from competitive racing to focus on their family business. Though no longer active as an athlete, Uypitching looked back at his humble beginnings with grateful heart.

That is why he readily lend a hand as the Ornopia Cup girds for its Silver anniversary race in time for the fiesta celebration of Calambua in honor of their beloved patron San Vicente Ferrer this Sunday.

“The Ornopia Cup in Calambua is unforgettable for me due to its unique and long outdoor race track. The uphills and long air time downhill jumps were adrenaline pumping. The large number of spectators that covered the hills around the tracks made the event more memorable and festive!” said the general manager of Rusco Motors Inc.

Aside from throwing his support, Uypitching also grabbed the opportunity to pay tribute to Ornopia for his invaluable contribution and selfless dedication in the promotion and development of motocross over the years.

“Boss Lou did a great job in organizing and promoting the Ornopia Motocross Cup and maintaining it for several years despite all the trials he encountered. His commitment to the sport is extraordinary. New and upcoming riders are developed and talents are discovered because of this event. Salute to him for a job well done,” said Uypitching.

Wanting to spread the beauty of this extreme sport, Uypitching shares a nugget of wisdom for those who aspire to follow in his footsteps someday,

“Passion, discipline, focus, and dedication in motocross must be present. Practice makes perfect. Just keep on riding until you are one with the bike. Don’t give up. Make each defeat a learning block and plan how to overcome it. Have goals and direction and results will eventually come,” Uypitching ended. — (FREEMAN)