AFTER an epic, nine-month battle of two-wheel racing, the 2011 Colt 45 National Motorcycle Race of Champions (MotoROC) reached its conclusion at the Quirino Grandstand in Manila. Despite the unpredictable weather, hundreds of racers and motorcycle-racing enthusiasts came to witness talents of motorcycle racers from Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao.

Motorcycle racing champions from Marikina, Cabanatuan, Cagayan de Oro and Cebu legs displayed exceptional skills on the track designed by race directors Jovie Saulog and Neil Labrador. The track was also inspected by National Motorcycle Sports and Safety Association (Namssa) representative, Dr. Alfonzo Villaroman, who attested to its safety standards as set by Namssa and Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme (FIM).

The series featured six categories: 110/115 cc Stock, 125 cc Stock, 115 cc Modified, Open Four-Stroke, 160 cc Open Scooter and the 180 cc Open Scooter. The winners of the 110 cc stock categories were Gerald Cruz from Cabanatuan, first place; John Cloyde Pilapil from Marikina, second place; and Roel Rubin from Marikina, third place. Winners of 125 cc Stock were Reggie Adia from Marikina, first place; Kristian Paul Tudela from Marikina, second place; and Mario Borbon Jr. from Cebu City, third place.

Winner of the 115 cc modified category were Roland King Ganotise from CDO, first place; Markco Deliganzo from Marikina, second place; and Erik Gjengaar from Cebu City, third place. Open Four-stroke winners were Roland King Ganotise, first place; Chriss Karlou Samoga, second place; and Mark Indiongco of Marikina, third place. 160 cc Open Scooter winners were Jay-R Daguio of CDO, first place; Chriss Karlou Samoga, second place; and Mark Indiongco, third place. 180 cc Open scooter winners were Jay-R Daguio of CDO, first place; Gerald Cruz of Cabanatuan, second place; and Chriss Karlou Samoga, third place.

Open Super Moto winners were Jovie Saulog, first place; Jolet Jao, second place; and Jason Sarmiento, third place. Open Scooter winners were John Emerson Inguito, first place; Paul Mark Doblada, second place; and John Recben Tan, third place. Open Underbone winners were John Emerson Inguito, first place; Paul Mark Doblada, second place; and Masato Fernando, third place.

Special awardees were John Allen Mendez, Luzon’s Pioneer Mighty Gasket Most Valuable Rider;  Kristel Cuizon, Visayas’ Pioneer Mighty Gasket Most Valuable Rider; and  Jay-R Daguio, Mindanao’s Pioneer Mighty Gasket Most Valuable Rider.  Namssa also honored April King Mascardo as 2011 MotoROC Most Promising Rider and Jay-R Daguio as 2011 MotoROC Fastest Rider.

The Colt 45 National MotoROC event was sponsored by Colt 45/Asia Brewery in partnership with Two-Wheel Enthusiasts Network Inc. and Airphil Express. This series is supported by YRS Modification, Maico Buncio Foundation, Pioneer Mighty Gasket, Von Dutch, Suzuki Philippines, Wheeltrade, Aeon/ Motorstar,  Foton Philippines, Lifeline Rescue, Spyder Gears, J2Cab Modification, The Parashop Manila, FMN Industrial Corp., Adidas and Playboy Perfume.