Thai clinches Motocross Masters via sweep

PUERTO PRINCESA, Philippines – Thai rider Thanarat Penjan pulled a big sweep to rule the 2009 Motocross Masters of Asia - Puerto Princesa International Motocross Grand Prix at the challenging Sta. Monica International Racetrack here.

Living up to his tag, the 19-year-old Penjan was unstoppable aboard his Yamaha JAW Thai DID team bike as he controlled the tempo coast-to-coast to claim the coveted silver Mayor Edward Hagedorn Cup.

The event is sanctioned by NAMSSA and sponsored by Puerto Princesa, Philippine Charity Sweepstakes, CTI Knee brace, Oakley, Petron Sprint 4T, Castrol, Spyder Helmets, HJC Helmets andDepartment of Tourism.

His feat brought the championship back to Thailand after Arnon Theplib won the crown two years back.

The event is part of Puerto Princesa’s 137th foundation anniversary and the fifth Balayong Festival celebrated yesterday.

Even at the start, Thanarat showed he wanted nothing but the crown as he topped the qualifying time trials in 1:21.67.

As soon as the green flag was up, the Thai rider quickly pulled away from the rest of the 24-man pack to the delight of the 30,000 Puerto Princesa spectators. In the first turn eight riders, including Aep Dadang Indonesian champ and Iran national champion Mojtaba, figured in a pileup, setting the stage for Thanarat’s dominance.

Thanarat, the Asian Supercross Championships winner in Jember Stadium, Indonesia last November pulled away after every lap to secure the lead at the halfway mark over veteran Japanese champion Shinichi Kaga, who gave freestyle exhibition in the opening ceremonies.

Kaga, parading his Suzuki, checked in second while Khaliunbold took third place honors with his Kawasaki. Another Thai Honda entry Kriangkrai Thiannok made it fourth while Iran’s Amirreza Sabetifar ended fifth.

RP top bet Kenneth San Andres gave a good fight as he was consistently second in the first few laps of the race but the foreign challenge proved tough as he slipped down to sixth overall.