Valderrama, Roquero host Asian motocross

MANILA, Philippines - The first Evelio Javier Invitational Supercross Championships hope to generate interest in the sport among local motorbike owners with topnotch international riders competing in the event slated April 23-25 in Valderrama, Antique.

“Motorbikes are the primary means of private transportation in the provinces, especially in remote areas. A motocross competition of this magnitude will surely excite and challenge them,” said Valderrama Mayor Mary Joyce Roquero.

The tiny but environmentally-friendly and progressive municipality of Valderrama is hosting the next leg of the 2010 FIM Asian Motocross Series on a newly-constructed racing complex that complies with the high standards of international racing.

Ray Roquero, now a director of the sponsoring Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office, has put at stake a handsome golden perpetual trophy that will go to the rider who wins the event for three straight years.

Last year’s RP Motocross Rider of the Year Kenneth San Andres banners the Philippine challenge against foreign stars from Mongolia, Japan and Malaysia.

Aside from the open race, other tough races to be held are the MX85 (Junuior) event, an intermediate class for riders aged 12 to 15. Novo Ecijano Jean Erick Mitra, the current leader in the Asian Junior 85 category of the series, is expected to encounter stiff opposition from Gabriel Macaso, Mark Reggie Flores, Christian and Ralph Ramento and lady rider Pia Gabriel.

Other prominent riders competing are current intermediate contenders Miko Tolentino, John Paul Roquero, Omar Aman, Mike Osmawit, Chadwick Garcia, Mark Gonzales, Joseph Penaso and Tyron Coralde.