Suzuki-Phoenix reigns in road race

MANILA, Philippines - The Suzuki-Phoenix YRS Luzon Road Racing Team won four championships in nine podium finishes  recently in  the Repsol National Road Racing Championship at the open parking lot of Blue Wave Strip Mall, Marikina.

Headed by the legendary Yoyong Buncio and race coach Mel Aquino, the team almost swept the four-race category, with James Aldrin Mendez finally coming out of his shell and leading the assault with three first-place finishes.

“Before the race, we conducted training for the riders here at the Blue Wave Strip Mall and the results were outstanding,” said YRS’s Buncio, father of the late Maico Buncio, born and raised in Mandaluyong and the fastest Filipino ever on two wheels.

Now leading the charge for the team is Mendez (321), who became the  the crowd favorite with wins in three different categories – the Expert Super Stock 115, 160 Automatic and the Suzuki NEX 115 Cup.

“I love the Suzuki Nex 115 because of its good handling, power and light weight. That inspired me to win the two Automatic categories using the Suzuki Nex 115,” said Mendez.

Sealing the team’s dominance for the Novice Super Stock 115 category are Enzo Rellosa (24) and Eljin Lobarbio (218) with an impressive 1-2 finish using a Suzuki Smash 115.

After a hard fought race in the Sports Production 115, Rellosa and Michael Altamira also placed second and third place, respectively.  Eljin Lobarbio placed third in the Expert Super Stock 115, while Altamira ranked fourth in the Suzuki Nex 115.

“Suzuki made the right choice in supporting this team.  Their impressive performance has brought Suzuki back into the winner’s podium of Philippine motorcycle racing. Hats off to Ka Yoyong and the rest of the people behind this successful partnership. ‘Astig’ team-up,” said Odessa Gan, marketing and advertising manager, Suzuki Philippines’ motorcycle division.

The  event is organized by Sonic boom Motorsport and sanctioned by the National Motorcycle Sports and Safety Association (NAMSSA).