San Andres scores four-race sweep in moto

MANILA, Philippines - Multi-titled Kenneth San Andres once again lived up to his status as the country’s top rider following another four-race sweep of both the premier Pro Open and 125 divisions in the second leg of the 2010 National Motocross Series recently at the Speedworld Circuit in SM City Bicutan.

San Andres swept both two races of the Pro Open and Pro 125 – worth 25 points each – to further build on his lead in the series, held under the auspices of the National Motorycle Sports and Safety Association (NAMSSA). He holds a perfect 100 points after a similar sweep in the first leg.

San Andres was all business in the two heats of the Pro Open, turning back the challenge of veteran Jolet Jao (second), Migi Tolentino (third), Miko Tolentino (fourth) and Veil Gin Ramos (fifth) and pulling away from the 10-rider chasing pack with plenty of room to spare. It was practically the same story in the Pro 125, with Jao (total 86 points), Miko Tolentino, Ramos and Migi Tolentino finishing second to fifth, respectively.

“I’m at home in this race course,” admitted said San Andres, a Manila Central University Information Technology student backed by Oakley, Bridgestone Tires, HJC Helmets, Fox Racing, Polisport, EZ Trailer, Inside Racing, JBS Motorcycle Parts and Accessories and Bike Plus.

“I know it like the palm of my hand, and that may be the reason why I had four dominant rides from the get go,” added San Andres of the Speedworld motocross circuit, marked by fast stretches, jumps and berms.

San Andres is actually just warming up for his biggest challenge this year – the FIM Asian Motocross Championship Series, dubbed the Mayor Edward Hagedorn Cup – at Puerto Princesa’s world-class motocross racetrack on Feb. 21.

“That is where Asia ‘s best riders will gather. It is so popular, that close to 50,000 spectators usually go out and see the world-class action and I wouldn’t want to disappoint them,” said San Andres of the annual meet which pits champion riders from Japan, Malaysia, Indonesia, India, Thailand, China, Mongolia, Guam, Saipan, United Arab Emirates, Sri Lanka and the Philippines.