Kimboy Pineda is 'Rider of the Year'

CEBU, Philippines - The ever daring Kimboy Pineda of Tagum City stole the show during the glitzy MS Motosuit Motocross Series Awards Night last Saturday at the Teatro Casino of Waterfront-Cebu City Hotel and Casino after he was declared as 'Rider of the Year' for the 2011 edition of the annual race.

In the six-year history of the series bankrolled by MS Motosuit big boss Lou Ornopia, Pineda is only the second non-Cebuano winner of the coveted ROY trophy after Irwin Ramas-Uypitching of Dumaguete City.

Pineda bagged the so-called 'mother of all awards' for reigning supreme in the pro and expert divisions.

Pineda is still mourning the death of a family member due to accident last week, but inspite of that he personally came over so as not to miss the most memorable moment of his career.

"Even though we lost a family member, my nephew who died last week because of an accident, I really came here because I consider this as the biggest achievement in my motocross career," said an emotional Pineda during his acceptance speech.               

"Being here is also my own way of letting you know how grateful I am that even if I’m not a Cebuano, you accepted me here and helped me become better,” added the Davaoeño daredevil.

Pineda, who looked dapper in his all-white suit, shared his moment of glory not only to his family and friends, but also to Jonjon Adlawan, one of Cebu's top riders, who have great influence in his career.

Pineda was humble enough to take his hat off to the decorated Cebuano expert rider, who failed to defend his ROY title for missing several legs in last year's contest.

"Because of Jonjon Adlawan, I was motivated to strive hard and become the best I could possibly be in my chosen field of sport," said Pineda to the warm applause of the crowd that include Borbon Mayor Butch Sepulveda, Dr. Andy Uy of Reliance Motors, SCOOP-Cebu president Robert "Bobby Knight" Inoferio, Daanbantayan councilor Malou Pepito, radioman Greg Senining and motocross patron Joy Flores.

The overall champion in each category is being determined based on the total points a rider has accumulated in all nine legs of the series co-presented by Petron Philippines.

The other major awardees who joined Pineda in the spotlight were intermediate king John Flores, three-time peewee champion BJ Pepito, back-to-back executive A titlist Jun Enriquez, perennial open enduro champion Donkey Sanchez, double champion Ray Quirol (beginners production and open enduro), top novice rider Cyril Tariman, executive B champ Roscel Gungob, executive C ruler Jerry Sicad and mini class crown-holder Jogie Basco.

Meanwhile, Cebu City Sports Commissioner (CCSC) chairman Edward Hayco, the event's guest of honor and keynote speaker, hopes that the riders will make their hobby an advocacy to help others.

“Do something about your passion. Make it purposeful. Have some meaning in it, more than just the thrill and adrenaline rush,” said Hayco.           

The City's sports czar also challenged Lou Ornopia, the man behind the best-run motocross series in southern Philippines, to do everything he can to keep the annual race going and further raise the level of competition. (FREEMAN)