Buncio bounces back in fifth leg

MANILA, Philippines - Defending champion Maico Buncio of YRS-Elf Moto Oil-Yamaha Racing bounced back with a bang, pulling off a big sweep recently in the fifth leg of the 2010 Enersel Forte Philippine Superbikes Championship Series at the Batangas Racing Circuit in Rosario, Batangas.

Though nursing a bum stomach, Buncio showed intensity and determination for the win that fortified his lead in this this event sponsored by Enersel Forte, Pagcor Sports, MTRT, Aeromed, Inside Racing Magazine and Stoplight TV.

A bum stomach forced him to forego the time trials, which put him dead last in the 11-man field. But surprisingly, he quickly jumped up to wrest the pole at the start of the pre-final and posted a fast 1:40 laptime to pull away for the win.

Young Dashi Watanabe again impressed the crowd as he finished second way ahead of Glenn Aguilar of Enersel Forte-Ducati Racing.

Buncio, who just turned 21 recently, continued his domination in the final race, hardly showing signs of illness to complete his sweep over Aguilar and third placer Watanabe.

With the sweep, Buncio closes in on his goal of capturing a four-peat feat as he now tallies 244 points or 42 points ahead of Aguilar (202).

Watanabe remains third overall with 182.

Watanabe,15, also boosted his bid for the Superbikes Intermediate crown following his triumph over Mario Niño Garcia and Raniel Resuello.

 while Aguilar also romped to his fifth straight victory in the Motard class over Garcia and Toti Alberto.

John Paul Jose forged an impressive debut winning the Superbikes Novice title over Rommel Florante and veteran Marlon Bagtang.

Also pulling sweeps in their respective divisions are Inigo Bilbao, Aries Padiernos and Nikky Roman.

Bilbao dominated the Superbikes Beginners class, beating John Paul Jose and Rommel Florante while Padiernos reigned supreme anew in the 400cc. Unlimited over Ernanie Alcantara.

Roman bagged the honors in the 400cc. Novice over Marlone Teng and Peter Kim.

For further details, interested parties may log on at www.batangasracingcircuit.com or contact the Batangas Racing Circuit c/o Nelson Gayola or Rodini Rivera at (632) 817-2241, 729-5365 or fax 844-7766.