Motocross season begins

All is set for the kick-off leg of the 2008 motocross season that starts January 20 with the Barangay Captain Manuel Wagas Cup in Barangay Tuburan, Jubay, Lilo-an.

Although the race coincides with the Sinulog festival, organizer Lou Ornopia is not a bit worried, because Wagas has the full support of the riders and the local residents.

This proved true last year when the kick-off leg of the motocross competition drew a crowd despite the race held simultaneously with Sinulog, with fans even staying put until the race was over. 

Ornopia said they are still working the schedule for 2008. Likely, he hinted that this year’s edition could easily extend to 12 legs. Last year’s series featured 11 legs with Jubannie Abellar winning the Rider of the Year (ROY) title.

There will also be some innovations in this year’s motocross series, particularly in selecting the ROY. According to Ornopia, riders will earn points as they compete and the rider with the most points, at the end of the year, wins. In case there is no clear winner, basing on points, the top riders from each class will vote for the ROY.

The selection of the year’s top rider is now wide open as riders from other classes will have a chance to win the coveted plum because the selection now extends to other classes, unlike in previous years when the selection was confined only to the expert class. 

Organizers are also looking to include the Executive C class in the overall standings after suggestions from riders. There was no champion in the said category last year because the races were purely for evaluation purposes. — Caecent No-ot Magsumbol