Suzuki Phoenix YRS reigns in national road race

MANILA, Philippines - The Suzuki Phoenix YRS Luzon Road Racing Team cemented its status as one of the country’s top motorsports squads as it captured the top podium finishes and overall championship in the fifth and final leg of the National Road Racing Championship in Blue Wave Marquinton, Marikina recently.

Headed by team manager Barny Buncio, Team Logistics’ Goku Ortiz and race coach Mel Aquino, the YRS team pulled off a 1-2 overall finish in the Super Stock 115 division.

Iriga City native Enzo Rellosa, the 2013 Super Stock 115 national overall champion and awarded by the National Motorcycle Sports and Safety Association as the 2013 Rookie of the Year, showed impressive maneuvering skills as he started at seventh place, battling his way up to first spot in the eighth lap in the 12-lap race.

His Taytay, Rizal teammate Eljin Lobarbio started at eighth spot and finished fourth to finish second overall.

In the Sport Production 115, Rellosa took  first place but fell short by only four points for the national overall title, despite using a Super Stock 115 in the earlier legs. James Allen Mendez, also from Taytay, emerged 2013 Expert Super Stock 115 champion.

“This will never be possible without the support of our sponsors, mechanics and the coaching staff of our team, every one played an important role, which only proves that team work is the key to win championships,” said team owner Yoyong Buncio.

Team YRS, backed by Suzuki Philippines, Phoenix Cyclo Max Motorcycle Oil, YRS Performance Center, MAK Rider Training Services, Denso Iridium Spark Plugs, Spyder Optics and Helmets, RK Chains, Vee Rubber, Garant and Holex Tools, Hydro Plus and Imarflex Evvo Battery, almost dominated the Suzuki Nex 115 Cup category as Team Captain MJ Altamira placed second overall, with Rellosa and James Allen Mendez finishing third and fourth, respectively.

“This team has brought us pride and glory, on and off the track. We’re grateful for the effort everyone has put in this past year. This is a testament of their passion and the drive to succeed through the collective effort of individuals from different walks of life coming together for a common purpose,” said Desi Maala, the national sales manager for lubes of Phoenix Petroleum Philippines.