Pinoy rider in Malaysian motocross meet

As one of the most seasoned riders in the local motocross world, the National Motorcycle Sports and Safety Association (NAMSSA) has aptly chosen Shell Yamaha rider Jovie Saulog as the country’s bet in the Malaysian leg of the 2002 FIM Asian Motocross Championship, scheduled this coming July 14 in Johor Bauru, Malaysia. Saulog, after all, has kicked dirt and competition alike in various tracks for decades now, already winning when some of the current riders were still tooling around in bicycles with training wheels.

A six-time Rider of the Year champ and considered as the most active biker in the scene, Saulog will be competing in the Pro Category. He will be facing serious riding action, as the Asian Motocross Championship is regarded as one tough racing venue that never fails to elicit motocross clichés like thrills and spills from those covering the event.

Joining Saulog in Malaysia are Macky Carapiet, president of the Asian Motocross Commission and who was recently appointed member to the FIM World Motocross Commission, and Ken Falco, president of NAMSSA. In recent years, Filipino riders were able to represent the country in more than 20 international motocross events through the support of NAMSSA, which sponsors the riders’ various expenses.

Apparently intent on putting the country on the motocross planet map, NAMSSA is not only sending riders abroad, but is planning to bring in international motocross races in the country as well. Falco is even optimistic that this is possible this year, as he is hoping the Philippines will be able to host one of the rounds in this season’s Asian Championship motocross or road racing events.

Falco said they are expecting a visit from representatives of the Asian Motocross Commission, who will conduct a track inspection to make sure the venue meets international competition standards. Once approved, Falco said it’s all systems go. "This will be a big boost for the country, the sponsors and all the stakeholders involved since the event will be telecast all over the region like in Japan, Australia, New Zealand, Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia and China via ESPN and STAR Sports," he added.

Now that is sure to provide more thrills and spills.– Brian Afuang