MANILA, Philiippines--Defending champion Maico Buncio is in for another tough race today when he goes up anew against veteran rivals and former motocross champions Glenn Aguilar and Jolet Jao in the 2008 Shell Advance Superbikes Championship at the Batangas Racing Circuit in Rosario, Batangas.

The 19-year-old Buncio, who wrested the crown from Jao last season, ruled the first leg on a Yamaha 600cc as against Aguilar’s 1100cc KTM superbike.

Also going all out to score their second straight wins in the series sanctioned by the National Motorcycle Sport and Safety Association are Miguel Bichara and Aries Padiernos.

Bichara guns for a repeat over Martin Tancinco and George Gerard in the Superbikes Masters class while Aries seeks another sweep against Simon Salenda and Dave de Leon in the 400 cc division.

Joshua Ybanez and Ryan Medina will duel in the Novice division.