Youthful rider Kenneth San Andres emerged Motocross Rider of the Year after the National Motorcycle Sports and Safety Association (NAMSSA) decided to use the standings of the National Motocross Championships-Mayor Ed Roquero Cup’s ninth leg to determine the season’s champions.
The 10th leg was also supposed to be held at the San Jose Del Monte, Bulacan tracks, but due to rainy pre-race conditions, the final stage was scrapped, with organizers declaring the standings at the end of the ninth leg as the conclusion of the series supported by San Jose del Monte city government, Puerto Princesa, Taguig, Moldex, Daily Harvest Farm, Oakley, JBS Motorcycle Parts and Accessories, Flambuoyant Construction, GCG Pipes, Topmaster and Sign Effex.
Event chairman Norbie Roquero and NAMSSA international jury officials came up with the decision in accordance with the international laws governing the sport and with the unanimous approval by all the riders.
San Andres, who also emerged as the second-best rider in the FIM Asia-Pacific Motocross Championships, scored a four-race sweep of both the premier Pro Open and 125 divisions before 25,000 fans in the ninth leg, also known as the third Mayor E. V. Roquero Motocross Cup.
There, the crowd favorite San Andres shoved Jovy Saulog (second) and JC Rellosa (third) to the backseat in both races of the Pro 125, where he already clinched the title by virtue of his accumulated 405 points.