Calambua’s Motorsports Park a big boost to revival of Cebu motocross

CEBU, Philippines —  Multi-titled Cebuano daredevil BJ Pepito firmly believes that the MS Motosuit Motorsports Park in Barangay Calambua, San Remigio is a big boost to the revival of motocross racing in Cebu once things get back to normal.

Pepito, nicknamed the “Wonder Boy” from Daanbantayan for his remarkable riding skills that earned him countless awards, was left in complete awe at the sight of the multi-sport racetrack during its launching over the weekend.

Together with a bunch of newbies and veteran riders, the 19-year-old Pepito held a quick practice session to get familiar with the brand-new training ground of motocross enthusiasts.

 “It’s a good thing that we now have this kind racetrack, which I think is the biggest here in the province,” said Pepito, one of the most accomplished riders in Cebu motocross history.

 “This is surely a huge boost to Cebu motocross scene once everything returns to normal, something that we should look forward to in the future,” continued Pepito, a Golden Wheel awardee who is now making waves in the pro/expert division where he aims to reach the top five in the Philippine rankings.

BJ’s mother, Daanbantayan municipal councilor Malou Enage-Pepito, couldn’t help but feel nostalgic upon setting foot again in Calambua.

 “This place (Calambua) is special for us because it is here where BJ’s career started,” recalled Malou Pepito. “He was only six years old then when he first witnessed a motocross event here and he was completely enamored by it after that. Thankfully, BJ’s father Bill is very supportive in all his endeavors resulting to the success he attained right now.”

 “And we are truly grateful that we have someone like sir Lou, whose heart and passion for motocross never wavered through the years. He takes care and gives attention to the riders even during these challenging times. His love and dedication for motocross are beyond measure. That separates him from the others,” added Malou Pepito, referring to revered businessman-sportsman Lou Ornopia, the man behind the sprawling Motorsports Park that covers a total distance of 2.3 kilometers.

“Being our role model athlete and a local hero in motocross racing, I hope  and pray that through his leadership, BJ Pepito will lend his expertise and share his talent to the young aspiring riders,” Ornopia said. 

BJ Pepito’s fellow riders, on the other hand, were also impressed upon getting a closer look and experience first-hand on what the facility could offer to extreme sports aficionados.

“It’s really conducive for motocross racing,” noted the 29-year-old Eugene Andales, an upstart rider from Liloan. “I’m sure this will entice not only the Cebuanos but also riders from other places to come and enjoy this one-of-a-kind racetrack.”

“It’s wide and huge, the largest race course I’ve ever seen. Having this is a very good idea,” chimed in Gyles Aguilar of Sogod.

“I hope that there will be a race here soon because we’re very hungry and so excited to compete. We can’t wait to showcase our skills in this nice playing field,” shared Neil “Pogi” Garbo from Liloan.

Also present were Jonathan Cuyos, Walter Caparoso, Jun  “Digoy” Quirol, Jay Hayag, and Frank Malicay. They all extended their gratitude to Druid Project Racing Apparels through Dars Diaz for providing them with some racing gears and other items for free.  

Nestled in a 10-hectare property adorned by lush green sceneries and breath-taking views of nature, Ornopia developed the multi-sport haven in an effort to breath life back into Cebu motorsports while giving livelihood at the same time to residents in their area at this time of pandemic.

Ornopia literally floats on cloud nine after drawing positive feedback and rave reviews from his motocross family that has been with him through thick and thin for over two decades now.

 “The response I got from the motocross industry was  overwhelming. It’s just the first time that I invited them to try our new racing course and they immediately came in droves. Seeing the smiles on their faces makes me feel happy knowing that they’re still very supportive of me,” said Ornopia, a one-time Sportsman of the Year awardee by the Sportswriters Association of Cebu (SAC). “I hope through this, we can inspire more people to take up the sport and produce national and international-caliber riders along the way.”

Aside from motocross, the Motorsports Park also caters to car rally racing and mountain bike events..