BORNOK Mangosong of Davao stole the spotlight on Saturday, as he snatched the third-leg plum from perennial titleholder Glen Aguilar in the 2016 Diamond Motor Corp. Motocross Series at the Mx Messiah Fairgrounds, Club Manila East in Taytay, Rizal.
The 24-year-old Mangosong, who missed the first two editions of the tournament due to logistical problems of transporting his bike from Mindanao, had a wire-to-wire battle against the 16-time Rider of the Year in the Pro Open production class, which delighted the crowd under the intense summer heat.
He went straight for the No.1 spot in the early laps of Moto 1 but an error in a sharp corner caused him to falter for sixth place. Riding on experience and superb skill, the rider from Mindanao managed to swiftly past through opponents and claim a runner-up finish after the first heat, with Aguilar taking the top position.
In the heftier Moto 2, Mangosong never looked back as he solidified his lead from gunstart to the finish line with the 41-year-old Aguilar trailing him for second place. Enzo Rellosa completed the podium finishers as he toppled his brother, JC, and Ralph Ramento for third place.
“Sa Moto 1 po nagkasagian kami ni Glen kaya natumba ako. Thankful ako na wala akong injury. Kaya noong second heat ginalingan ko na. I’m very happy with this win,” Mangosong said.
Aguilar still leads the overall ranking of the series with two wins and one loss. The fourth leg will be on May 21, while the championship race takes place on June in the same venue.
In other categories, Mclean Aguilar sped away from Jepoy Rellosa to bag the Pro Lites, Pia Gabriel survived a gritty challenge from Janelle Saulod and claimed the Ladies Open, Christopher Oberio finished atop the Open Local Enduro, and Gelo Leonardo got the Amateur Open class.
“It was great to see these riders giving everyone a great performance,” Diamond Motor Head of Planning and Marketing Jon Blaylock said.
