Ramento takes first place. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO
MANILA Philippines–After finishing in the shadows for so long, Ralph Ramento of Fox RCR Racing finally experience how it felt to be on top.
A student at PATTS College of Aeronautics, Ramento shattered the myth of of invincibility of motocross king Bornzkie Mangosong with a gallant victory in the 6th and penultimate leg of the MX Messiah Fairgrounds (MMF) Supercross 7.
Ramento was a picture of relief as he crossed the finish line amind thunderous roars from the wild and wooly crowd at the MX Messiah Fairgrounds in Taytay, Rizal.
It was Ramento’s first win after finishing second to Mangosong in the last earlier rounds of the centerpiece Shell Advance Pro Open. The seventh and final round of the series organized by Pastor and ex-pro rider Sam Tamayo will be held on June 2 with Mangosong expected to pocket the overall title.
Hosted by Generation Congregation, the much-applauded series is supported by Shell Advance, Yamaha Motor Ph, Dunlop, Rich Bian Taxi, Fox Head Ph, Coffee Grounds, MMF Academy, Vermosa, NAMSSA, Games and Amusement Board, Dans, Monster Energy, Power Roof Construction, Armed Safe, and Best Taytay and DG Budget Hotel.
“It wasn’t an easy win. I had Bornzkie all over me for about 20 mins. I was really maxed out! I struggled a lot of times and I was almost to crack under pressure. But I just kept fighting. My whole goal for the series is to win one of the rounds. So I motivated myself that I can win,” said Ramento.
The win solidified Ramento’s second-place position with 133 points. Mangosong of Yamaha Racing had 147 points after winning Rounds 1, 2,3,4 and 5.
JC Rellosa finished third, followed by Ompong Gabriel. Gabriel, who like Ramento, is considered future motocross superstar, is in third overall with 112 points.
Armed with determination, Ramento said he wanted to have a fiery start by getting the holeshot.
‘‘I need to be mentally strong,’’ said Ramento. ‘’ I had my eyes on the prize which is the holeshot. That was my aim. If I get the start, I will try to sustain my advantage as much as possible. Tapos ayun, nag pay off. So same thing will go for leg 7. But I’ll push harder because I know Bornok will be pushing harder on the last leg,” added Ramento, who idolizes 2019 450cc AMA Supercross champion Cooper Webb.
Rounding out the top 10 are: CK Ramento (95 pts); Jolet Jao (75 pts); Mitch Rivera (40 pts); JC Rellosa(38 pts); Gelo Leonardo (36 pts);Scott Christian Remi (29 pts) and Winsor Pamorca (27 pts).