Namssa warns of risks in non-sanctioned moto tiffs

MANILA, Philippines - Safety concerns in the sport of motocross have forced its only governing body, the National Motorcycle Sports and Safety Association (NAMSSA), to come out in the open and warn enthusiasts about the perils of taking part in non-sanctioned tournaments.

In a press statement, the NAMSSA said that at the end of the day, it all boils down to the safety, not just of the riders, but also of the fans and even the officials and marshals calling the shots from the sidelines, and for the positive image of their sponsors,

NAMSSA is affiliated with the UAM, the continental union overseeing the motorcycle sporting activities of national motorcycle federations in Asia and the sole affiliate of Federation International de Motocyclisme, the world governing body for motorcycle sports. NAMSSA said it is also sole affiliate with the Philippine Olympic Committee and recognized by the Philippine Sports Commission.

Officials said NAMSSA’s national series for both on-road and off-road disciplines are staged with strict adherence to FIM rules and internationally recognized safety standards on the proper and safe conduct of motorcycle sports events and as such, is the sole accredited body, being staffed by internationally trained and licensed officials.

On this note, unauthorized racing without the safety seal of NAMSSA and without racing licenses and regulations are a violation of the universal national competition regulations, officials said.

Moreover, NAMSSA’s local, Asian and world affiliations with legitimate motorsports organizations makes it the local institution, which can legitimately bestow the National Rider of the Year award – in this case Kenneth San Andres, organize the sole national series and award the title to riders competing in the national series.

They said things went awry in Philippine motorcycle sports in 2009, with the entry of Sell J Pharma Sports – thru Therazil, a private pharmaceutical corporation that began staging motocross races patterned after NAMSSA’s national series, but without the safety standards that the latter is known for.

While NAMSSA has always been open to the entry of stakeholders willing to be partners with them in developing motorcycle sports, they said the association “will never come to terms with parties who promote their interest and exploit the sports for their personal benefits at the expense of the sport, its riders and other stakeholders”.

The same statement said that last February, the same group came up with its own awards ceremony for the 2009 racing season, where it conferred the title 2009 National Rider of the Year to its top rider. NAMSSA has viewed this recent development as misleading and detrimental not only to motocross but to all other sports, officials said.