Santiago scooter rider of the year

CARMONA, Cavite–Ivan Santiago of Skygo-Access Plus-Malossi became the newest toast of local motorsports when he emerged as this year’s "Rider of the Year" in the Shell Advance Super Scooter Championships, which came to a fitting end at the Carmona Racing Circuit here Sunday.

Looking every bit a champion until the season-ending 10th and final leg, Santiago completed a rare double by winning the overall titles in both the centerpiece expert open and 70cc categories.

"Masayang-masaya ako. This is really a memorable moment for me," said Santiago, who also became the youngest winner in this annual series organized by the E.L. Racing Tech and sponsored by Shell Advance.

The 21-year old campaigner from San Juan thus joined Carlo Yalo, Jolet Jao and Jaime Barcial in the elite club of champions in this prestigious competition sanctioned by the National Motorcycle Sports and Safety Association (NAMSSA).

Also winning the titles in their respective categories were Robert Altea (90cc/Jet 100), Jeff Tongco (open novice), Gerry Quinoñes (50c Honda), Irvin Ongsee (50c all-steel) and Benjamin Dolores (Force 1).

So dominant was Santiago that he swept all 10 races in the 70cc category over perennial rival Benjo Mendoza, Noel de Mesa, L.A. Peralta and Paul Pavia.

in the expert race, Santiago finished only second to Mendoza in the final leg, but it was enough to clinch the overall championship.

Mendoza actually emerged as the winningest rider with five victories in the expert category against only three by Santiago and two by Mark Anthony Barcial. However, Mendoza’s failure to compete in the early part of the series due to another commitments affected his chances of winning the title.

Motocross champion and race organizer Ernie Leongson lauded all the participants in the different race categories, saying they are "surely part of the tremendous success of the year-long competition."

He expressed confidence that next year’s series will be a lot bigger in terms of participation and cash prizes.