MANILA, Philippines - KTM Philippines grabbed the limelight behind debuting young ace TJ Alberto recently in the fifth leg of the 2013 Bridgestone Philippine Superbikes Series at the Batangas Racing Circuit.
The 15-year-old Alberto, a top junior motocross rider and son of Superbikes Masters champ Toti Alberto, delivered the biggest shocker for a first timer in road racing when he ruled the combined Sub-400cc division aboard a 2013 KTM 350 SXF to emerge the 400cc Novice champion, upstaging multi-titled and more-experienced Expert riders in the 400cc. Unlimited.
The 2013 KTM 350 SXF was the same bike that launched Alberto’s career in the Enersel Motocross Series except that he replaced the tires with those suitable for road racing.
The bike delivered superb performance that proved the championship tradition of the Austrian racing machine as the whole KTM Team as well as its supporters rejoiced over Alberto’s feat, posting the fastest laptime of 1:54.859, a rare feat for a young rider and a first timer in the series.
The young Alberto himself was surprised with his feat as he grabbed the lead for good on the second lap and pulled away from the pack before claiming the checquered flag 3.421 seconds ahead.