This was the opinion aired by Asian Motocross Union (AUM) president Macky Carapiet shortly upon their arrival from the three-day championships organized by the Two Wheels Motor Racing (Malaysia).
"Although he did not finish highly, Jolet’s respectable showing in Penang augurs well for the development of local motorsports," Carapiet said.
"Jolet impressed a lot of people, especially the Japanese and Malaysian race officials. I think he did very well considering this was only the first time that he competed in the prestigious series," added Carapiet, who is also secretary-general of the National Motorcycle Sports and Safety Association (NAMSSA).
A former rider himself. Carapiet said Jao’s exceptional showing proved that Filipino riders can more than hold their own against their foreign counterparts given the proper exposure and training.
"Jolet’s performance should open the door for other Filipino riders to join future international competitions," explained Carapiet. "I’m sure Japanese and Malaysian race organizers would be more than willing to invite Filipino riders in their own competitions."
The multi-awarded rider from Marikina clocked a personal-best time of 1:08.656 in the 57.40 km race in the world-class Sepang International Circuit.
Toshiyuki Hamaguchi of Japan, who bagged the overall title in the centerpiece super sport category, clocked a personal best time of 1:07.018.
Another Japanese rider, Yusuke Takeyama, clocked a best time of 1:07.31. Takeyama finished runner-up to Hamaguchi.
Carapiet said Jao could have performed even better than the 1:08.656 he established on the final day of the competition, but his motorcycle suffered clutch problems, forcing him to complete only 15 of the 22 laps scheduled for the day.
"It’s too bad that Jolet suffered mechanical problem just when he was already getting the feel of it," said Jao’s father-coach, Alex.