NAMSSA honors top motorcycle riders in ’03

The country’s internationally accredited motorcycle association — the National Motorcycle Sports and Safety Association (NAMSSA) — will honor the top winners of the various 2003 motorcycle championships tomorrow at Gilligan’s Island, Glorietta Center in Makati.

Glenn Aguilar, the country’s first Asian motocross champion and national motocross rider of the year, superbike champion Jolet Jao, junior motocross champion Kenneth San Andres and scooter champion Jaime Barcial will receive NAMSSA awards for their outstanding achievements in the different motorcycle disciplines.

Aguilar, seven-time motocross rider of the year, gave the country its first international championship in the FIM Asian Motocross Championship by besting riders from Malaysia, Thailand, China, Australia and New Zealand. Aguilar displayed his riding prowess by beating all in the final leg in Guam and topped the Philippine National Motocross Championship races in Tuguegarao and Puerto Princesa.

Jao, of the Shell Advance-Kawasaki Team, again completely dominated the superbike races at the Batangas Racing Circuit. An avid racer that took championships in almost all forms of motorcycle racing, Jao used his vast experience to the fullest and won almost all races in the series.

The second generation of motocross riders is now moving up with San Andres, also of the Caltex Revtex team, leading the way in the junior motocross category. Son of veteran rider Jun San Andres, Kenneth has competed in the FIM Asia Motocross Junior class and has finished third overall on his first try. He will now be moving up the ladder to compete with the veterans.

Barcial combined his spectacular driving style with great mechanical skills in setting up his bike to top the scooter championship.