‘Rider of the Year’ known today

CEBU, Philippines - Who will take home the coveted 'Rider of the Year' plum is something to watch out for during the MS Motosuit Motocross Series Annual Awards set tonight at PAGCOR's Teatro Casino of Waterfront-Cebu City Hotel and Casino in Barangay Lahug,  this city.

The winner of the so-called 'mother of all awards' will be announced by no less than the race organizer and MS Motosuit big boss Lou Ornopia towards the end of the program that will promptly start at 7 p.m.

"It's the time of the year again when we give due recognition to our riders not only for their exemplary performance last year but also for keeping motocross alive and kicking through the years," said Ornopia, the revered 'Godfather of Cebu motocross.'

Leading the distinguished list of honorees are double champions Jubenile Abellar, Roscel Gungob and Jed Luna. Abellar is the overall champion in both the pro and expert open categories, Gungob swept the executive A and B titles, while Luna reigned supreme in the open enduro and the beginners open production.

They will share the spotlight with other champion racers in John Flores (intermediate), BJ Pepito (65cc), Keith Lloyd Abrenica (mini class 65cc), Alex Abalo (local enduro), JP Cuesta (beginners open production), Jonathan Cuyos (executive C), and JayR Gualiza (underbone).

They are all contenders for the 'Rider of the Year.'  For 2014, Ornopia has staged a total of six legs and the rider with the highest aggregate points will be crowned as the 'champ among the champs.' The elite list of awardees during the past editions include Pepo Rubi, Jon-Jon Adlawan, and Burnok Mangusong to name a few.

Meanwhile, Provincial Board Member Joven Mondigo from the fourth district of Cebu will be gracing the traditional awards night that has also been an avenue for the riders to rekindle old friendship and foster camaraderie and fellowship amongst themselves.

The honored guest and motivational speaker will be formally introduced by Madam Richell P. Pestañas, a retired education program supervisor who is presently an administrator of a private school and college professor at the Cebu Technological University.— EBV (FREEMAN)