Del Rosario bags jetski plums in US

MANILA, Philippines - Multi-titled jetski champion Paul del Rosario delivered another big splash for the country when he bagged two titles recently in the final leg of the DMP Motorsports National Tour at Lake Elsinore, California.

Del Rosario turned back top West Coast rivals as he captured both the Expert Runabout Open and the Pro-Am Runabout Open crowns in the event sanctioned by the American Power Boat Association (APBA).

His team-up with world renowned Rius Racing owned by former world jetski champ Nicolas Rius was instrumental in adjusting the set-up of his Yamaha Watercraft under the supervision of Del Rosario’s cousin Jun de Jesus.        

 Paul had a trouble-free run throughout, marking his first overall pro career win in the US The race served as tune-up for his campaign in the World Jet Ski finals in Lake Havasu, Arizona Oct. 14.

“This is for the Philippines. I’m overwhelmed by the huge support of Filipinos here who really came out to show they’re still Filipinos at heart,” said Del Rosario, who credited Nicolas Rius, his dad Bobby and Petron for his victory.

 Del Rosario’s meeting with Rius was purely accidental. His Dad was about to leave K-Mart when he came to the rescue of a woman whose heavily-loaded shopping cart went out of control. The woman turned out to be Rius’ wife and offered Nicolas’ technical assistance for Paul’s campaign.

Rius Racing and De Jesus really did wonders on his Yamaha watercraft which was the same boat under del Rosario’s previous mechanic that caused his disappointment in last year’s 2008 World Jet Ski Finals stint.

He was then on the verge of clinching his first Amateur Open Runabout world championship plum last year after topping the qualifying run and Moto1 to claim pole position for Moto 2.

But Moto 2 ended in dismay as engine problems hounded him at the start and did not even complete a single lap.

“This win gives me more confidence in my campaign in the World Jet Ski Finals. Hopefully, we’ll achieve another milestone as the first Filipino champ in World Jet Ski racing with Rius Racing still behind us to provide the technical and valuable team support next month,” he added.