Pia Gabriel soars. Contributed Photo
FAST-RISING and Nueva Ecija pride Pia Gabriel eyes her second straight victory even as Davao-ace Bornok Mangosong seeks redemption as the 2nd leg of Diamond Motor Corporation Supercross hits the track on March 25 at the MX Messiah Fairgrounds in Taytay, Rizal.
Gabriel will face tough opposition from the country’s leading female rider Janelle Saulog, who finished second in the first of the five-leg series organized by Xtreme Adrenaline Sports.
Fresh from a victory in a tough race at Alaminos, Pangasinan, Saulog, a UST graduate, won overall honors last year and is expected to engage her young rival in a heated battle for first place.
Others in contention in the DC Shoes Ladies Class are Jasmin Jao, Quiana Reyes and Khim Yumul.
Mangosong of Yahama and Unstoppable Athletes Mindanao, was overshadowed by Glenn Aguilar of KTM in the first round in the Pro Open Class but is expected to pour it all to regain his winning ways.
Also seeing action in the centerpiece event are Jerick Mitra, JC Rellosa, Ralph Ramento, Ompong Gabriel, Buboy Antonio, Christian Ramento and Jerich Farr.
‘‘The first race in the series is always the hardest race for the riders because of the expectations of sponsors and fans; we call them first race jitters! Now that it’s over and have measured their speed and stamina against their competition, the fans can expect more battles for positions and since it’s a pretty short series,’’ said race organizer Sam Tamayo of Xtreme Adrenaline Sports.
Tamayo said riders will level-up their performances to catch up with the leaders.
‘‘It will be more exciting to the fans,’’ noted Tamayo, who is a Pastor of the Church of Nazarene in Taytay.
Aside from the Pro Open and the DC Shoes Ladies Class, spectators will also witness thrilling races in the Coffee Grounds Veterans Class between first round winner Jing Leongson, Jonjon Antonio, Rowell Castellano and RJ De Leon.
The overall champion will recieve P50,000 with the second placer pocketing P20,000. The third placer will go home with P10,000.
There will also be categories for kids, open underbone, open local enduro, amateur open, Yamaha One Make Race, executive and other categories.
The series is supported by Dunlop Tires, Tireshakk, Yamaha Motor Philippines, Go Pro Philippines, PTT Philippines Corporation, DC Shoes Philippines, Coffee Grounds Taytay and Xtreme Adrenaline Sports Entertainment Co.
Aside from down-the-wire races, fans will also be treated to the Diamond Autotune Battle of the Bands.