New finds make mark in Ducati Cup; Hoikka champ

MANILA, Philippines - The second leg of the Ducati Cup 2013 proved to be a smashing success as it showcased the power of Italy’s world-renowned Ducati bikes recently at the 4.2km technical course of the Clark International Speedway.

Jussi Hoikka, a motorcycle and car enthusiast who had a short but phenomenal circuit racing stint last year, drove his Ducati to the overall championship on his first actual Superbike race.

Hoikka completed seven laps of racing in 14 minutes, 25.413 seconds, a good 5.207 seconds over first leg winner Peter Cotter.

John Defensor, president of the sanctioning Superbikes Racing Association, checked in fourth overall after clinching the Masters crown over Toti Alberto and Miguel Bichara.

Charles Nolasco topped the Naked Class over runner-up Dax Ayson and Aaron Macalinao.

The event also discovered a new talent in Lawrence Macalinao who emerged the Novice champion over Dan Savino and Rei Lagamia.

Vince Mercado was Ducati’s rising star, who bagged the crown on his first try in the Intermediate class, beating Alvin Dee and Richard Panlilio.

Graeme Mortimer also captured the Super Legend title over Rey Relativo.

Team Ducati also scored big wins in the superbikes series behind franchise rider Raniel Resuello, who copped the Superbikes Open runner-up crown and John Defensor, who steered the team to another 1-2-3 finish in the Superbikes Masters class along with runner-up Toti Alberto and third placer Charles Nolasco.

Hoikka and Mannerkorpi were second and third, respectively, in the Superbikes Intermediate class.