Finale of Ms Motosuit Motocross series Pepo Rubi is 'Rider of the Year'

CEBU, Philippines - After 30 years of selfless dedication to the sport, Pepo Rubi finally bagged his first 'Rider of the Year' award, ironically in the final edition of the MS Motosuit Motocross Series the other night at PAGCOR's Teatro Casino in Waterfront Cebu City Hotel.

“Yes, it's my first (Rider of the Year) award. I wasn’t expecting this nor was aiming or wanting to have this," an obviously esctatic Rubi said. " But I’m thankful I got this. It’s very overwhelming. Now, when I teach kids, I can proudly say to them, yes, I did it!”

Rubi is highly regarded as a living legend of motocross for everything what he had done to the sport — from giving full support to his teammates, sharing his knowledge in handling and organizing races, and above all, his continuous pursuit in molding new talents.

“He became known in the racing circuit as “The Hitman”. He defended every position and points of the team captain all the way to the championship. He is feared by the championship contenders but respected as well by the other riders. He became a household name in motocross in the Vis-Min region including the far island of Tawi Tawi and Basilan,” said Pepo’s brother, Andot Rubi.

Prior to the awarding ceremony of the MS Motosuit Series, Pepo was also honored during the Sportswriters Association of Cebu (SAC) All-Cebu Sports Awards last week at the SM City-Cebu Northwing for his invaluable contribution to motocross. He was also one of the recipients of the prestigious Golden Wheel this year.

Aside from Rubi, who swept the expert and pro open titles, Daanbantayan’s wonder boy BJ Pepito also claimed a double championship through the 65 and 85cc division.

The rest of the category champions who were feted for their stirring exploits during the past year include Donkey Sanchez (open enduro), Nanding Pepito (executive C), Martin Nunez (intermediate and novice open production), JC Obligado (local enduro), Denmark Supatan (beginners production), Jun Enriquez (executive B), Kent Limpag (underbone), and Roscel Gunbob (executive A).

The annual series has come to an end, something that one of the event’s special guests, gubernatorial candidate Pablo John Garcia, could not understand.

“I do not understand why this is called the finale. But then, as in every ending, a new and exciting one is coming in. Whatever it is, I assure Lou (Ornopia) and his group that I will always be here to support in whatever ways I can,” said Garcia, referring to MS Motosuit big boss Lou Ornopia.

Aside from PJ Garcia, Cebu 4th District Rep. Benhur Salimbangon also graced the momentous affair.

For Ornopia, his support to motocross will never fade, even as he also expressed his profound gratitude to all those who, in one way or another, have supported him all through his nearly two decades of nurturing the sport.

"To borrow a line of a famous song, sometimes goodbyes are not forever. As I've said earlier, I am not leaving motocross for good. It's always in my heart. My support to motocross will always be there, although in another capacity this time," said Ornopia.

Presented by MS Motosuit, the annual series was made possible through the generous support of Daanbantayan councilor Hon. Malou Pepito, Derulo Oils and Lubricants, Nanding Pepito, Tony Inoc of San Remigio Beach Club, Speed-up Motorparts, F&FO and JCO Motorparts, Dan's Bikeshop, Deka Motorparts, Ted Bikeshop, Hon. Nonoy Reluya, Bradder Moto Access, Apas. Brgy. Capt. Ramil Ayuman,  Braddy Motorparts, Dr. Andy Uy, MB Motorparts, FDR Tires, Casino Filipino, Hon. Isabelito Darnayla, and Sanitec General Services.  (FREEMAN)