MS Motosuit is back Ornopia to relaunch motocross series

CEBU, Philippines - He's back.    

After a one-year layoff, revered businessman-sportsman Lou Ornopia looks forward to relaunching his  motocross series next month anchored on his ardent desire to further develop top-caliber Cebuano riders at the same time provide them an avenue to showcase their skills in a highly competitive stage.

"It comes from the blood," said Ornopia, a one-time 'Sportsman of the Year' awardee by the Sportswriters Association of Cebu (SAC), on the main reason of his sudden comeback in Cebu racing circuit. "I tried other sports but motocross really runs in my veins."

Ornopia has been actively involved in the MS Motosuit Series for the past eight years but he momentarily applied the brake on his annual event last year to focus on his other ventures.

But because of flaming passion for this extreme sport fueled by strong public clamor, Ornopia has decided to continue with what he has started, even promising of a bigger, better and more exciting series ahead.

"For me to revive motocross is a commitment. It's a big challenge for me to surpass what I have done for the past 14 years. I will just try my best to come up with a bigger and better series ahead," assured Ornopia.

"I'm proud to say that through MS Motosuit, we were able to produce highly competitive riders even up to the national level. That's what I am  aiming for and I'm glad and excited to be back in the Cebu motocross scene," he added.

Ornopia plans to hold at least six legs for this year, starting off with the Ornopia Cup on April 12 in Calambua, San Remigio - the birthplace of Cebu motocross.

"Calambua holds a special place in the hearts of Cebuano motocrossers because it is where it all started. It is but fitting and symbolic to hold our kick-off leg there," he said.

Ornopia's move comes a music to the ears of local riders who had long been wanting to see action in a top-level competition.

"We're very happy that Mr. Lou Ornopia is back in organizing motocross races and we're very excited to take part in his upcoming events," said the ageless Pepo Rubi who is highly regarded as the motocross king of Cebu. "We feel like we're one family with him and he deserves all our support."

"We are so thankful with Sir Lou's decision. It's really a welcome development to all the riders because it's the only series that we would really prepare hard and look forward to each year," pitched in Ayen Ledesma. "Aside from showing off our talents, it's also an opportunity for us to bond with out fellow riders as well as gain new friends in the racetrack."

Other champion riders such as Donkey Sanchez, RK Cuesta, Alex Abalo, and JC Obligado were also unanimous in expressing their excitement about Ornopia's comeback.

"It's a big thing in Cebu motocross scene because it's the only series that will test our limits and riding capacities to the hilt," said Sanchez. "His decision is indeed laudable as it is a major boost to the riders not only from Cebu but also from other areas in the Vis-Min region." (FREEMAN)