MANILA, Philippines - The 2011 FIM Asian Motocross Championships will not only be a showcase of the prowess of the leading riders in the region but will also be a venue for local motocross riders and enthusiasts to learn a thing or two on the sport.
Defending champion Tomoya “Kamikaze” Suzuki has agreed to share his skills and expertise as he conducts an advanced rider training course as a side event in the opening round of the Asian Moto tilt slated March 24-27 in Puerto Princesa City, Palawan.
Suzuki has endeared himself to local motocross fans with his riding style he flaunted in the local legs of the continental championship also held in Puerto Princesa last year and at the Speedworld MX Circuit at SM Bicutan that netted him the Asian 125 (MX20 crown.
The races mark the eighth straight year that the opening round of the Asian moto series is held in Puerto Princesa with National Motorcycle Sports and Safety Association president Macky Carapiet expecting a more exciting edition with the entry of the new breed of young and daring riders.
They include participants from Japan, China, Chinese-Taipeim Guam, Iran, Moingolia, India, Sri Lanka, Hong Kong, Australia and the Philippines.
The event is backed by Puerto Princesa Mayor Edward Hagedorn, Oakley, Polisports, Colt 45, Spyder Helmetsm Du Ek Sam Marketing, Kia Motors Palawan, the Philippine Olympic Committee, the Philippine Sports Commission and the Department of Tourism.
The top local riders, headed by three-time national rider Kenneth San Andres and veteran Jolet Jao, will see action on the same weekend as they vie for top honors in 13 categories comprising the third leg of the Philippine NAMSSA national motocross series.
The other riders are brothers Migi and Miko Tolentino, Jean Erick Mitra, Omar Aman, Chadwick Garcia, Mark Gonzales, Bryan Ursua, Cheaster Hinayo, Tyrone Coralde, Joseph Penaso, Jason Sarmiento, Gimo Gonzales and Junjun San Andres.
For details, log on to www.asiamx.org and www.namssa.org.