Morales was particularly impressive, considering that he is taking part in the RRC for the first time. A veteran four-wheel driver (Formula 3 and National Junior Touring Championships), Morales showed the elite field a grand display of his prowess on two wheels by winning the initial staging of the RRC.
Peerless all day, Morales, who is backed by Paragon Brokerage Corp and Shift Racing, crushed the challenge of Jay Cortez and Miguel Ripoll with a total time of 25:59.575.
"This is the first time that I’m competing in a motorbike and the feeling is exhilarating. I like it, as a matter of fact, of all the races that I entered into, this is perhaps the greatest high that I felt in a long time," said Morales, who is currently leading the NJTC and is one of the Philippines’ stalwarts in the Asian Formula Three Grand Prix, which goes to Sentul, Indonesia in August.
Del Rosario, on the other hand, became the third fastest rider in the more demanding Shell Advance Superbikes at the BRC with a clocking of 16:50.109 behind the 16:35.201 of Benjo Mendoza and the 16:44.657 of Jolet Jao.
Del Rosario, who is known for his devil-may-care attitude, gave Mendoza and Jao a great chase in the early going, but a slide in the eighth lap, damaged his foot rest but he still managed to give the two top riders a tough fight.
"I’m satisfied with my ride," said the 28-year-old Del Rosario, who is also backed by Paragon Brokerage Corp. and Shift Racing. "These riders (Jao and Mendoza) are undoubtedly the best superbikes riders in the country today and just to be able to battle them toe-to-toe is already an honor."
Del Rosario, who was a two-time national jetski champion, said he vows to improve on his time in the future.
"That’s one of the reasons why we compete. To improve on your best time is such an unbelievable high because you are able to conquer not your foes but yourself," Del Rosario added.