PUERTO PRINCESA City hopes to set a new record as it plays host to the FIM-UAM 2006 Motocross Masters of Asia for the third straight year this weekend at the sprawling Puerto Princesa City motocross racetrack just near the City Hall.
FIM-UAM Vice President and NAMSSA Director Macky Carapiet said the interest generated this early about the event could even surpass the record 70,000 spectators the event attacted last year.
He further added that Mayor Edward Hagedorn expects it will not only boost the reputation of the city as the country’s sports tourism capital but will also enhance country’s image as ESPN and Star TV bring the event to some 540 million households worldwide.
"The Motocross Masters of Asia is expected to boost the country’s image as it will also showcase the peaceful environment of Puerto Princesa as well as its scenic spots," said Carapiet in the weekly PSA forum sponsored by PagCor and Manila Mayor Lito Atienza.
Twenty-five riders from 12 competing nations will be vying for the coveted crown in the centerpiece Asian Open 125cc class, the Junior Asian 85cc Class and the Mayor Edward S. Hagedorn Cup.
Revtex Glenn Aguilar, who was recently honored in the recent 2006 Golden Wheel Awards, vowed to give his all for the country’s pride and honor.
Aguilar, however, expects tough opposition from James Robinson of New Zealand.
Other riders to watch are defending champion Arnon "Turbo" Theplib of Thailand, China’s Shi Lok and Shi Yu Men, Tadakazu Otsuka of Japan, Jye Harvey of Australia. Aep Dadang Supriatna and Denny Orlando of Indonesia.
Joining the hunt for the champion trophy are local bets Kenneth San Andres, Jovie Saulog and Bebet de la Cruz, former Indonesian 85 stalwarts Aldi Lazaroni and Adi Aprian, Nic Yasuhiro of Guam, Floyd de la Cruz and Ellery Cruz of Saipan, Gayan Sandaruwan of Sri Lanka and Hong Kong’s Sean Hewett.
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