EIGHT-TIME NATIONAL champion Glenn Aguilar is still the top favorite, but two top foreign riders are expected to steal the show when the 2005 Camel Supercross International Championship Series returns to Iloilo City this weekend.

Aguilar is seeking to extend his supremacy in local supercross circuit , but expects tough challenge this time from Tadakazu Otsuka of Japan and James Robinson of Dickies-New Zealand in the centerpiece pro open category.

"It will be tough (against these foreign riders), but it’s a good challenge for me and the rest of the Filipino participants,"said Aguilar, who hopes to duplicate his success in the 2004 Camel Supercross Series held in Roxas City and Bacolod City late last year.

Aguilar said the participation of Otsuka and Robinson will make this year’s competition a lot more exciting than the previous ones since "we can’t afford to let these foreigners rule the show."

Another Filipino rider, Bebet dela Cruz, is also eager to show his wares against their foreign counterparts and prove that local riders can more hold their own against them.

"It’s a good opportunity for us. Before, the riders have to secure a lot of financial assistance to go abroad and be able to compete against these foreign riders. With Camel bringing them here, we’ll do our best," said De la Cruz.

National Motorcycle Sports and Safety Association (NAMSSA) president Ken Falco said the Filipinos’ familiarity of the Sta. Barbara International Raceway and the tremendous support of the home crowd make them strong favorites to win the race although upset wins by the foreign riders cannot be completely ruled out.

JT International Phils. Brand marketing manager Edward A. Cruz is expected to personally present the trophies to the winners during the awarding ceremony, along with Falco and NAMSSA managing director Macky Carapiet.

The Camel Supercross International Championship Series is being held under the auspices of NAMSSA, the country’s only governing body for local motorcycle sports recognized by the Federation International de Motorcycliste (FIM), Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) and the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC).

The series is open to all spectators 18 years old and above and strictly no minors will be allowed. The organizers reserve the right to refuse entry to anyone who cannot show proof of his age.