Buncio firms up superbikes lead

CLARK , Philippines  – Defending champion Maico Buncio of YRS-Elf Moto Oil-Yamaha Racing cruised to another victory recently in the second leg of the 2010 Enersel Forte Philippine Superbikes Championship Series at the Clark International Speedway here.

With his back-to-back win, Buncio not only firmed up his grip of solo leadership but also fortified his chances for a four-peat crown in this event sponsored by Enersel Forte, Pagcor Sports, MTRT, Aeromed, Chequered Flag, and Stoplight TV.

Posting the day’s fastest laptime of 1:03.186, he quickly pulled away from the start, to sweep both the pre-final and final races of the premiere Enercel Forte Superbikes Open class.

Unlike the kickoff leg where he prevailed 12 seconds ahead, Buncio took the checkered flag with just a 3.151 seconds lead over closest rival Glenn Aguilar of Enersel Forte-Ducati Racing as he wrapped up the eight-lap race in eight minutes and 25.561 seconds.

Young gun Dashi Watanabe bagged third place while former 10-time Superbikes champ Jolet Jao ended fourth.

“I’m happy how things still went in our favor. The track was a fast one and I knew they’ll try to bounce back in this race. But with the racing excellence of our machine, we pulled through smoothly and trouble-free,” said Buncio.

Aguilar vented his ire in the Motard class where he ruled the Expert division with a time of six minutes and 45.220 seconds or 3.205 seconds ahead of Enersel Forte-Ducati Racing teammate Toti Alberto.

Another veteran Benjo Mendoza took third place just 0.680 of a second behind Alberto while Allan Suansing and Edwin Buenaventura ended fourth and fifth, respectively.