Feb. 09 2009 : Pinoy riders gear up against foreign rivals in asian motorcross

Top Filipino riders are gearing up against the foreign challenge in the 2009 Motocross Masters of Asia – Puerto Princesa International Motocross Grand Prix set February 27-March 1 at the Sta. Monica International Racetrack in Puerto Princesa City.

Newly-crowned Rider of the Year Kenneth San Andres will banner the country’s campaign to regain the overall Asian crown last won when the event kicked off in 2004.

The past three years saw Thailand dominating the event with Arnon Theplib winning back-to-back in 2006 and 2007 and Dede Mulyabi of Indonesia clinching the crown last year. Bike loading day is on Feb. 11 at Fast Track Circuit form 9am to 3pm

Moreover, Mongolia has vastly improved the past two years and has produced Erdenbileg Khaliunbold as the 2008 Overall Asian Motocross Rider of the Year of this event sponsored by the City of Puerto Princesa, Philippine Charity Sweepstakes, Oakley, Department of Tourism, Petron 4T, www.motorcyclephilippines.com, Insideracing, Negros Navigation and HJC helmets.

We’re very happy with how the other countries have improved and that elevated the quality of competition in this series. It’s a big challenge for the Philippine team that’s why our riders are really preparing hard to regain the crown, said FIM-UAM vice president Stephan Macky Carapiet.

While they may be rivals in the local NAMSSA National Series, San Andres will likely get a big support from veteran champions Jolet Jao and Jovie Saulog, and the promising Jan Carlo Rellosa in the quest for the Asian diadem.

Puerto Princesa City Mayor Edward S. Hagedorn, who’s personally supervising the preparations, disclosed that preparations are underway for the event that will boost the City’s bid for the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park to make it into the Seven Wonders of the World.

The UK crew of Star Sports and ESPN coming over not just to beam this prestigious event to over 600 million viewers worldwide but also do a feature on the Underground River which is the country’s lone hope into the list of world wonders.

The foreign delegates will also enjoy the festive atmosphere as Puerto Princesa will also celebrate its Foundation Day, more known as the Balayong Festival on March 4.

The Motocross Masters of Asia will be a huge push to the country’s bid into the Seven Wonders of the World. If we make it there, it will be a big booster to the country’s tourism industry, said Hagedorn.

Wel really see to it that these foreign visitors will enjoy the warm hospitality and the scenic nature spots of Puerto Princesa, said Hagedorn.

Up for grabs is the Mayor Edward S. Hagedorn Cup — a sterling silver trophy coming from the city’s chief executive and his constituents.

For details on the Motocross Masters of Asia, please check out www.namssa.org or email us at namssa01@hotmail.comor call 09178479785