Lacey sparks American riders romp in Lanao motocross

Manila, Philippines - Tyson “Tiger” Lacey led another American domination in the sixth leg of the Enersel Forte Philippine and World Motocross Series, topping the International Pro Open division in Tubod, Lanao del Norte over the weekend.

Lacey, 29, topped both heats of the International Pro Open Division for a total of 50 points, besting compatriot Daniel Blair, who finished second for overall runner-up points of 44.

Iloilo leg champion Dennis Stapleton made it a 1-2-3 finish for the US riders as he came in third with 40 points at the challenging circuit outside the Mindanao Civic Center.    

With a crowd of around 3,000 cheering him, multi-titled Filipino bet Glenn Aguilar secured fourth spot with 34 points in the two-day motocross showcase jointly organized by SEL-J Sports and Lanao del Norte Gov. Mohamad Khalid Dimaporo.

“We’d like to thank Gov. Dimaporo and the Lanao del Norte provincial government in hosting the Enersel Forte Philippine and World Motocross series again,” said SEL-J president and CEO Jay Lacnit. “This province is truly the motocross capital of the Philippines.”

Aguilar, who became the first and only Filipino Asian motocross champion in 2004, captured the local Pro Open championship (50).

Kimboy Pineda (42) and Bornog Magsonong (40) took second and third, respectively, in the event sponsored by Enersel-Forte vitamin syrup, Therasil lozenges, Bridgestone tires and Team Pacquiao.

Winners in the other divisions were Nonoy Rellosa (Intermediate), BJ Pepito (65 cc), Paeng Onahon (Underbone Novice), Joe Root (Executive A/Veterans), Pia Gabriel (Ladies), Arbot Romanos (Beginner Local Enduro), Paolo Bahan (Beginner Open Production).

Paeng Onahon (Underbone Open), Ompong Gabriel (50 cc), McLain Aguilar (85 cc), Jay Lacnit (Executive B/40-above), John Michael Almerino (Local Open Enduro) and Atong Mangosong (Novice Open).

In the side competitions, Alfred Fritz Gaston won bike motocross Open elite honors while Rex Barbaso took the all-terrain-vehicle Open championship.

Wowing the crowd with their daredevil acrobatic stunts were the American freestyle motocross riders, while the event paid solemn tribute to the late young motorbike ace Maico Buncio, 22, who died in a freak accident while doing time trials at the Clark Speedway circuit last month.

Caption: An American freestyle motocross rider does a difficult stunt during the sixth leg of the Enersel Forte Philippine and World Motocross Series in Tubod, Lanao del Norte last weekend.