Valderrama moto on; Javier guest of honor

MANILA, Philippines - Thousands of racing enthusiasts from the Panay Region and nearby provinces will be treated to high-octane action when they converge today in the tiny valley of Valderrama, Antique for the opening salvo of the first Evelio Javier Invitational Supercross Championships at the newly built racing complex at the outskirts of the thriving municipality.

Rep. Exequiel Javier, brother of the late Antique governor in whose honor the tournament was named, will keynote the colorful fiesta-like rites filled with native revelry, band music and a host of local amenities.

The late Antique governor, known for his passion in sports, built the Binirayan Sports Complex that is now the perennial site of major competitions in Western Visayas.

Valderrama Mayor Mary Joyce Roquero, who heads the executive committee that will roll out a red carpet to all participants and guests, said the competition will give the town and its residents a golden opportunity to showcase its eco-sports tourism potentials.

 “A town as small as we are is proud to be afforded this rare chance to host a sports championship of this magnitude. We will combine our resources with our innate hospitality to make their stay here memorable,” said Roquero, who is running unopposed for a second term.

She added that first-time visitors to Valderrama will wonder about its remarkable transformation from being a sleepy fifth class town in the nineties to its present progressive, third class ranking.

Top-notch riders from Mongolia, Japan, Iran, Malaysia and Guam are expected to fight it out for plum honors.  

A handsomely designed perpetual trophy, aside from cash prizes, donated by PCSO director Raymundo Roquero awaits the winner of the Valderrama leg of the 2010 FIM Asian Motocross Series.

Roquero, a former sportswriter, said all 17 municipal mayors and their respective councils have been invited to attend the event organized by the National Motor Sports and Safety Association and sponsored by the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office.

Roquero said familiarity with the tough layout and the weather conditions will help determine the eventual champion in the Valderrama leg of the Asian series.

Expected to eagerly watch the races are Mayors Reynaldo Policar (Anini-y), Faith Francisco (Barbaza), Vicente Piccio Jr. (Belison), Bernard Pesayco (Bugasong), Reynante Lim (Caluya), Aida Alpas (Culasi), Julius Pacificador (Hamtic), Aser Baladjay (Laua-an) and Norberto Raymundo (Libertad).

Other mayors also attending the affair are Plaridel Sanchez VI (Pandan), Henry Mondejar (Patnongon), Rony Molina (San Jose), Elizabeth Coloso (San Remigio), Jose Christopher Varona (Sebaste), Virginia Lotilla (Sibalom), Sotera Tamayo (Tibiao) and Ma. Orchid Fornier (Tobias Fornier).

Kenneth San Andres, last year’s top local rider, spearheads the Filipino challenge along with compatriots Jolet Jao and Jon-Jon Adlawan of Cebu. Novo Ecijano Jean Erick Mitra, current leader in the Asian Junior 85 category of the ASMC series, will be the object of the chase coming from Gabriel Macaso, Mark Reggie Flores, Christian and Ralph Ramento and lady rider Pia Gabriel.

Local boy John Paul Roquero, the pride of Valderrama, is expected to get full support and the cheers of his townmates. Contenders to watch out for are Miko Tolentino, Omar Aman, Mike Osmawil, Chadwick Garcia, Mark Gonzales, Joseph Penaso and Tyron Coralde.

Registration and practice runs were held in all categories yesterday while the qualifying times are slated today and the race proper tomorrow.

Competitions in the MX juniors 85cc side, a very interesting event for intermediate riders aged 12 and below 15 years, will usher in the first day of the championships where 14 other categories are also on the program.