Diamond Motocross Series: Ageless Aguilar battles young turks anew

Aguilar (left) being interviewed by Tamayo after winning the first leg.

After dominating the first leg, ageless Glenn Aguilar, a 16-time Rider of the Year, tries to teach the young turks anew a neat lesson in daredevil riding as he competes in the second leg of the 2016 Diamond
Motocross Series April 2 at the MX Messiah Fairgrounds at Club Manila East in Taytay, Rizal.

The 40 year-old Aguilar topped the centerpiece Pro Open Production at the start of the five-leg series last February 27 but is expected to be tested to the limit by the likes of Mindanao-surprise Doy-doy Bantigan and Bicolano ace Enzo Rellosa.

‘‘I’m enjoying while making the sport grow. I’m here trying to make the pace faster for the next generation. There is nothing to prove but have the young guys improve their talent,’’ said Aguilar after ruling the first leg.

‘‘I am thankful to the Lord for the strength since I should be retiring right now… We want to promote motocross because it’s the sport we love.’’

Bandigan created a noise after finishing second to Aguilar in moto 2 which was an improvement to his fourth place finish in moto 1.

Fans can also expect another tight battle for supremacy in Pro Lites Production between fast-rising Jepoy Rellosa, Ralph Ramento of Far Eastern University ang Glenn’s son Mclean.

The younger Aguilar failed to figure prominently in the initial leg due as his bike got hit by mechanical trouble.

Also another rivalry to watch is the ladies contest between veteran Janelle Saulog, daughter of legendary Jovie, and teenager Pia Gabriel of Nueva Ecija.

‘‘We’re good friends and it’s always fun to go up against Pia,’’ said Saulog, a University of Santo Tomas graduate.

Spicing up the day is the challenge between Jolet Jao and Ernie Lengson, two former Riders of the Year during their prime.

Other categories are executive open, amateur open, kids 50cc at 65cc, open local umderbone, open local enduro, MMF Academy and the newbie open for the greenhorns.

‘‘We wanted to give the young riders the chance to show what they learned from the MMF Academy. We’re using the point system,’’ said Samuel Mark Tamayo, Director of organizing Generation Congregation.

To entertain the crowd, there will be a pit party and music to be provided by Firefalldown, Typecast and Imbue no Kudos.

The series is supported by Diamond Corporation, Wheeltek, Dunlop tires, Coffee Grounds, Xtreme Adrenaline Sports Entertainment Co, PTT Philippines Corporation and the Municipality of Taytay.