MANILA, Philippines - Veteran Glenn Aguilar exploited erstwhile frontrunner Bornok Mangosong’s engine problems to eke out a close come-from-behind win in the seventh leg of the JYL-Enersel National Invitational Motocross Series at Brooke’s Point, Palawan last Sunday.
Mangosong got off to a roaring start in the second heat and looked the runaway winner until his engine bogged down with two laps to go in the event held to mark the 62nd founding anniversary of Brooke’s Point and the 6th Pista y ang Kaniyog’n ng Palawan.
Aguilar pounced on the opening to close the gap on the leader until Mangosong finally got his engine going again, as the two riders engaged in a riveting down-the-wire duel to the delight of a banner crowd led by Brooke’s Point Mayor Narciso “Boyet” Leoncio.
The one-time Asian Motocross champion, who easily topped the opening heat last Saturday, eventually nosed out his rival to clinch the Pro Open Division with 50 points.
After placing third in both heats, Kimboy Pineda took runner-up honors with 40 points while Ambo Yapparcon was third (38) in the two-day motocross showcase sponsored by Enersel-Forte vitamin syrup, Therasil lozenges, Bridgestone tires and Team Pacquiao.
Mangosong, who finished sixth in the first heat but made a daring 60-foot jump in the last lap in trying to overhaul Aguilar in the second heat, was relegated to fourth with 36 points.