Buncio

MANILA, Philippines -- The country’s motorsport scene suffered a big blow this week with the sudden demise of the country’s fastest motorcycle rider, Maico Greg Buncio.

The four-time national superbikes champion figured in a freak accident at the Clark International Racing Circuit in Pampanga last Saturday when the Suzuki GSXR600 he was riding high-sided after reportedly running over some debris on the race track.

Crashes like this are common incidents in motorcycle races and are not really a big deal since racers are well protected with safety gears including helmets and leather racing suits.

When Maico was thrown off his bike witnesses saw him tuck and roll, a standard procedure for riders who fall off bikes to reduce the risk of injury, and skid for approximately 100 meters until he reached the concrete barrier of the race track.

Maico’s teammates at the Suzuki garage waited for him to stand up and pick up his bike, like he usually does after a crash, but were surprised when he failed to get up after a minute.

The Suzuki crew ran towards Maico, and upon seeing him, were shocked to see the rider in pain with a steel bar piercing his body. Witnesses on track said it took over 10 minutes before the medical team was able to reach the incident and give Maico first aid.

Maico was initially brought to a hospital in Mabalacat, Pampanga before being rushed to the University of Santo Tomas Hospital in Manila.

Last Sunday afternoon, Maico passed away due to massive internal bleeding.

MotorCycle Magazine editor-in-chief Lester Dizon said Maico’s sudden loss could have been prevented if the track operators were diligent in keeping the track safe.

“The track should have been swept clean of any debris by the track management.  They should’ve also made sure that no bars protrude into the track.” Dizon said.

“If the steel bar wasn’t there, the worst that could have happened to Maica could just be abrasions or worst, broken bones.”

He added: “The track owners should assure the safety of the users by making the track meet international safety standards.”

With Maico’s early demise, the four-time superbike series champion failed to realize his dream of racing in MotoGP.

The CIRC is owned and operated by Johnny Tan, who also owns the Batangas Racing Circuit in Rosario, Batangas and the Carmona Racing Circuit in Carmona, Cavite.