Bryan Ortile: The “Spark” Within

Good thing for the team, it’s not much of a problem for the skillful rider. Following a DNF in the first round of the BRC season, “Spark” as he is more popularly known, is slowly inching his way to the top of the point standings of the 115cc Open class. Together with equally talented teammate Herbert Lopez, they will try to close the competition with a good finish.

InsideRACING: How old were you when you learned how to ride?

Bryan Ortile: I learned how to ride a motorcycle when I was 6 years old. Yung father ko na motorcycle enthusiast ang nagturo sa akin. I learned a lot from him. Siya talaga yung nag-influence sa akin na mag-motor at eventually, mag-race.

IR: How did your career as a racer start?

BO: I started joining races when I was 12 years old with my bestfriend Dingdong. The first time we raced at BRC was in 1996. Before, I was a privateer and then I became a factory rider, I think from 2004-2006. With the help of Tix Villena, Honda got me in 2005 and until now I’m still part of the team. They sent me to Thailand for the Honda One Make Race and that was my first international race.
IR: Which racer, both local and international, do you most look up to?

BO: Si Jolet Jao at si Maico Buncio. He is a very good rider and he’s humble. Nasa kanya yung mga tinitignan kong attitude ng rider. Sa international naman, dati si (Valentino) Rossi pero ngayon si Dani Pedrosa, syempre loyal ako sa Honda.

IR: For you, what makes a good racer/rider?

BO: ‘Pag racer ka, unang-una ang attitude kasi ito ang magmo-mold sa ‘yo. Ako naman on my part, I try to be a good role model din. Tapos a good rider never blames anyone or anything, mechanic or crew, basically anything. Dapat walang excuses. Syempre safety rin, napaka-importante.

IR: Any advice you can give to aspiring racers?

BO: Keep supporting the scene. Race on the track, not on the streets! Always wear your safety gears. Pag nasa kalsada kayo, always be aware at ‘wag niyo kaming gagayahin kasi sa race track lang naman namin ginagawa yung pagpapatakbo ng mabilis. Actually kaming mga professional riders, takot kaming rumatrat sa streets. Ang laki kasi ng difference sa race track at sa streets.

IR: Last words for our readers?

BO: We’re so glad that they are supporting InsideRACING kasi itong magazine na ‘to ang nagbibigay sa amin ng malaking exposure. Keep on buying InsideRACING magazine. Pasalamat din ako sa sponsors ko, unang una sa Honda Philippines. Sana mas mahaba pa yung pagsasama namin. Thank you din sa crew namin at sa mga fans, pati kina Jose at Allan na laging nakasuporta sa racing, kina sir Elmer (Oane) at mother Lu (Lulu Montiflor). Sila yung ilan sa mga tao behind the Honda Racing Team na talagang napakabubuti.

*This article was published in InsideRACING’s  Volume 7 Number 8  2009 issue.