CEBU, Philippines - A total of 10 teams have already confirmed their participation in the OZ Racing-backed 2009 OZR Grand Prix Series slated on March 27 to 29 at Parkmall. These are Team Mac, Team Pidot, OZ Racing, Cyrus Racing, Norkis Team, Bradz Racing, Brei Bikes, Skut Garage, X-Racing, and URBC.
OZ Racing president Zandro Fajardo said in a press conference yesterday at Fine Cuisine in Parkmall that they’re expecting more participants and an even tougher race this year because of some innovations that are in consonance with the international standard of racing.
“We have been preparing for this event since last year and we’re expecting more riders to join because the competition is now more exciting. We patterned the racetrack and pit area after that of the international standard like the Malaysia Cup,” said Fajardo.
“What makes this race even more tougher and challenging is that the riders don’t know yet the racetrack,” added Fajardo.
It is for this reason that they’re alloting March 27 as practice day so the riders would be able to familiarize the venue. The next day will serve as the qualifying round and registration of entries, while the race proper will be on the 29th.
The Parkmall joust is just the opening phase of the five-leg Underbone Motorcycle Racing organized by OZ Racing.
The categories to be contested are the beginners’ superstock 110, beginners superstock 125, automatic mix open, novie open, and expert open.
Among the top Cebuano daredevils to watch out for are Bobby Mencias, Arnel Fajardo, Andrei Ursal, and Jessie Garcia. International rider Dashi Watanabi will also be on hand to grace the three-day tilt co-presented by Yamaha Motors Philippines Inc., Norkis represented by manager and business development officer Scout C. Tumulak and Parkmall through its marketing manager Tony Tiu.
OZ Racing marketing head Chad C. Mascariñas said their aim of staging this race series is to promote the sport and discover new breed of talents within the local riders.
“Talents which we can cultivate and develop so that someday they may compete in the international racing circuit,” said Mascariñas. “This event will also discourage illegal street racing where people get hurt and also promote safety driving precautions and good sportsmanship.”
The other proposed venues for the rest of the series include Kartzone in Brgy. Mabolo and Danao City.
For more information on OZ Racing, one may keep in touch with Mascariñas at 412-3329. – EBV (THE FREEMAN)