Aguilar tops Kopiko ’cross

PROVING he’s far from done, veteran internationalist Glenn Aguilar bested a tough field and the difficult conditions to emerge as the biggest winner in the Kopiko Astig 3-in-One Supercross Series in Bais City, Negros Oriental recently.

Once Asia’s top motorcross rider, Aguilar, flashed vintage form by ruling the Pro Open and Pro Lites category in the races watched by a combined crowd of 70,000 spread over two days.

The races opened in sweltering conditions Saturday and ended with riders negotiating a muddy track Sunday after overnight rains.

Jonjon Adlawan, who finished third in the initial leg of the series in Cebu, nipped Bornok Mangosong for second place in the Pro Open (450cc). Maximizing his position on the inner lane, Aguilar held his ground even after his closest pursuer, Dondon Yuson, suffered a spill in the sixth lap.

Aguilar set himself up for a championship double weekend when he topped the Pro Lites (250cc) ahead of Mangosong, who gave the veteran all that he could handle in the 23-lap race. The two riders swapped the lead three times, before Aguilar used his guile and experience to beat Mangosong to the finish line.

The victories shoved Aguilar ahead in the overall race for Rider of the Year.

The event organized by Man and Machine Racing Promotions lured 128 riders. The next leg of the Kopiko Astig 3-in-One Supercross Series will be staged in Bacolod City on April 6 and 7. Cedelf P. Tupas