Win makes Watanabe virtual champ

MANILA, Philippines - Dashi Watanabe of Aprilia posted a crucial victory in the Pirelli Superbikes Championship Series at the Batangas Racing Circuit recently to virtually seal his back-to-back overall championship.

It was Watanabe’s fourth win in the season, foiling Aprilia teammate Marvin Mangulabnan’s bid to force a tie in the event which served as part of the 2014 Motorsports Championship Season presented by Petronas.

Mangulabnan, who gained a crack at the crown following his triumph in the last race at the Clark International Speedway, had hoped to wrest the crown with a sweep of the last two races in the event sanctioned by the Superbikes Racing Association (SBRA) and sponsored by Petronas, and media partners Racing Beat @ Wave 89.1, Inside Motoring @ DZRJ810khz and Motorsiklo Xklusibo @ DZME 1530.

After two re-starts, Watanabe wrapped up the nine-lap race almost five seconds ahead of Raniel Resuello of Team Ducati Philippines. Anthony Roman took third place in the premier Superbikes Open class with Rizaldy Canare and Toti Alberto of Team Ducati Philippines finishing fourth and fifth, respectively.

Canare eventually copped the Intermediate crown over Tracy Soyangco and Jussi Hoikka while Alberto emerged the Superbikes Masters champion. He also steered Team Ducati to another 1-2-3 finish along with runner-up John Defensor and Jay Carrion.

Soyangco later clinched the Novice title over TJ Alberto and Lawrence Macalinao.

In the Kawasaki Ninja Cup, Dexter Canaveral prevailed in the 1000cc class over Jeff Roxas and Roberto Sevilla while Michael Libarnes bagged the 650cc crown over Wilfredo Apinado.

 and Eddie Guinto, and Darwin Macaraeg claimed the 250cc title over Jeff Layosa and John Raymond Santos.

In the Shell Advance MotoIR presented by Honda, Ralph Kenneth Torres emerged the MotoIR champion over Canare and Herbert Lopez while Juver Mirasol captured the MotoIR2 plum over Robert Matthew Ramos and Gio Adriano.

The Club R Superbikes Series saw Toti Alberto win the Heavy A title over Raymond Robertson and Lawrence Macalinao; Yong Montero rule the Heavy B class over June Alcarioto and James Aldwin Rodriguez; and Marvin Caspe claim the Heavy C crown over Joel Aparis.

TJ Alberto topped the Middle A category over Jericho Arnaiz and Danes Sarmento; Joey Rivero prevailed over Gelo Roa and Mark Marimol; Jefferson Smith took the Lightweight A title over Andrew Opura and Amar Sanghera; while Reggie Tandoy emerged the Lightweight B champion over Rod Valdez and Aaron  Vergara.

Meanwhile, the final leg is set Oct. 4-5 at the Clark International Speedway.  For details, contact the Batangas Racing Circuit c/o Nelson Gayola or Rodini Rivera at (632) 729-72 41-42, 729-5365 or fax 844-7766, 0922 8858410 or like us on Facebook, www.facebook.com/ Batangas Racing Circuit or check out our website www.batangasracingcircuit.org.