Olayvar reigns in Eneos moto novice class

MANILA, Philippines - Ellijah Jirone Olayvar pounced on Eane Jay Sobretodo’s misfortune to wrest control then nipped Jacq Buncio at the finish to capture the crown in the 115 Novice category of the Eneos Motorcycle Championship at the Batangas Racing Circuit recently.

Sobretodo actually took charge and sustained quick pace to gain pole position but suffered technical problems, enabling Olayvar to step up and lead Buncio to a 1-2 finish by the 4S1M Sum Racing drivers in the event.

It was a sorry finish for Sobretodo, who came into the race oozing with confidence after posting a victory in the Suzuka Circuit in Japan during the Suzuki Asia Challenge that also saw 4S1M Sum Racing teammate April King Mascardo earn pole position.

Herbert Lopez, meanwhile, fought off three rivals from Team Yamaha Spec V in the 150 Open but succumbed to pressure and ended up fourth while Paul Doblada also came up short in the Moto IR race, losing to Matthew Ramos with Lopez’s bid also stymied by engine problems.

Doblada also flashed top form in the early going, overtaking Ramos but losing the lead in Lap 3. But the former never gave up and battled the latter in a thrilling duel before settling for second, just less than a second behind Ramos. Lopez limped to fourth place.