2005 AMSC Chequered Flag Season Summary

December 2nd, 2005

This end of season wrap up is a brief summary of the 5 Rounds of the Asian Motocross Championships and from the start of 2006 a separate Chequered Flag report will be issued Round by Round after each event.

Round 1 kicked off on the weekend of Feb 5/6th at the Yigo circuit on the Island of Guam - a little bit of USA in the middle of the Pacific. Run under the auspices of the Philippine Federation (NAMSSA) Asian Riders from China, Indonesia, Japan and the Philippines were represented while Australia, New Zealand, Saipan and host Nation Guam supported this open Championship. Jeff Armin from Malaysia headed the Jury panel as President.

In Moto 1, 2004 Asian Champion and No 1 plate holder, Tadakazu Otsuka came out with all guns blazing and stormed to a win from Australia’s Christian Horwood with 2003 Champ Glen Aguilar rounding out the top 3 places. Moto 2 was a different story when Otsuka and local Rider Anthony Camacho were involved in a first corner altercation, which resulted in a DNF for them both. This time line honours went to Horwood, followed by Aguilar and New Zealand’s James Robinson. Indonesian Champ Aep Dadang had a mediocre weekend with a mechanical DNF in Moto 1 and 4th in Moto 2 and was pipped for points by fellow Countryman Denny Orlando. Youngsters Kenneth San Andries from the Philippines and first timer Shi Lok from China put in impressive performance while Osaka’s brother Motokazu had a week end he would rather forget with 2 DNF however win or lose all was forgotten at the trackside banquet after the event. Those friendly Guam people sure know how to look after visitors.

Round 2 and not so far from Guam was the second Round, this time at Palawan in the Philippines on March 19/20th. As winner of the 2004 Best Organisers Award, they started out well with having all Riders overnight first in the luxurious Dusat Manila Hotel before flying out en mass the next day to Palawan. Tadakazu or Teddy as he is popularly known suffered another DNF, this time in Moto 1 when he went over the berm on turn 2 and then scored a lowly 12 points in Moto 2. Local Glen Aguilar was the popular hero with a win for the wildly patriotic spectators in the Moto 1 but there was glum silence when Horwood turned up the wick and took the chequered flag for Moto 2. Welcome newcomers this year were Floyd Dela Cruz and Ellery Cruz from Saipan who put their bikes in the UAM container at Guam to compete the whole season. Also joining at Palawan was Chaiyan Romphan / Arnon Theplip from Thailand, Nalin Perera / Gayan Sandaruan from Sri Lanka and Chika Vijaykuma of India. Of this group Chaiyan was the highest placed with a 4th and 3rd in the two Motos. Clerk of Course Arthur Valdez acted responsibly when he reduced race time due to dust, for try as they may, with the existing draught conditions and water restrictions, the Organisers just could not keep up the water to the thirsty track.

Macau hosted Round 3 on 25/26th June at their Taipa circuit adjacent to the Marin Pousada Infante Hotel and together with the 125 Championship; this Event also featured a double Round of the 85cc Championship Event for 12 to under 15yo Riders. To qualify for Championship status there is a stipulation of at least 3 Asian Nation competitors and a minimum of 10 riders in Moto 1. The event certainly met those criteria however the lack of China Riders in both 125 and 85 was disappointing. The lack of a Japanese Junior this year was more than made up by the performance of Thailand’s 13yo Arunkrung Pinpon who put up a strong performance but it was Indonesia’s Aldi Lazaroni who came out as winner over the two events by just 1 point from the young Thai with last years Champ Iwan Hermawan in third spot followed by Philippine Riders Jan Carlo Rellosa and Jon Adlawan rounding out the top 5. Kiwi Hamish Dobbyn was fortunate to participate at Macau for the second time but not so fortunate when he suffered a wrist injury keeping him out of the Sunday races. Australia’s dim unitive Josh Cachia won 2 motos but was sidelined in the other 2 by bike problems and an upset tummy.

Back to the 125s and it was a first ever AMSC win for Kiwi JamesRobinson relishing in the mud in Moto 1 from Thai Theplib nicknamed Turbo, then Aguilar, Romphan and Orlando.

Aguilar claimed top spot in Moto 2 followed by Turbo with another consistent second, then Robinson, Motokazu and consistent Orlando. Ford Dale substituted for Christian Horwood and although keen enough to bring an engine from Australia for the ailing YZ250F, did not produce the form which gave him a third place in Japan as a Junior some years ago. After enjoying historic macau for 3 days, most Riders also took the opportunity to visit near by Hong Kong for further shopping. All in all a marvellous educational experience especially for the Juniors.

Round 4 was on August 13/14that Solo in the Indonesian Archipelago. Helmy Sungkar’s Trendy promo organization had done a marvellous job and moved the AMSC to higher levels with Aircon marquees for trackside media, catering, Jury etc. The transponder timing system with manual back up produced results as required for the AMSC and the podium presentation with anthems and press conference was outstanding. Solo was also the first Round outside Macau to qualify as a Round of the Junior Championship with Adlewan and Pinpon making up the 3 required Asian Nations and fully supported by ample Indonesian youngsters. Jarryd McNeil and his Father supported the Round by attending as did the Ashton brothers riding for the Jam team. Even though they both had falls, Jarryd won Moto 1 from Arunkrung then a fast improving Alex Wiguna with Aris Setyo and Aldi Lazaroni rounding out the top 5. In Moto 2 the Thai reversed the positions with Jarryd and came away as the series leader by 10 points from Aldi Lazaroni.

Meanwhile in 125 Moto 1, Turbo was really coming to grips with the AMSC and the 17yo current Thai Champ scored his first win from local Aep and James. Bad luck for both Glen Aguilar and Hannu Malherbe when they collided putting Hannu out with an injured collarbone and while Glen did complete the Moto 1, he suffered a damaged knee, which kept him out of Moto 2.

In the second 20min plus 2 lap Moto it was hard charging Aussie Arron Klanjscek riding for the Jam team who swept all before him on the KTM taking the win from Turbo and Aep.

Round 5, last Event for 2005 but first event organised and promoted by Havid Teo’s Jam organization. Situated at Manado, Nth Celewese, the Nov 12/13th events general promotion and organization was capabably handled by Jam’s Alex Wilando with excellent accommodation and daily transport (with police escort) to the Airmadidi Circuit. The attendance by Mohamed Belooshi marked the first entry by a UAE National and although he arrived late and with no rest, it gave him an insight to the Asian Championship for full participation next year. Jam had also brought in Troy Carrol, the current Australian No 1 Supercross Champ. Troy was the strongest Aussie to compete in Indonesia since 15yo Craig Anderson and expectedly won both Motos, lapping all but Turbo in Moto 1 and all except Turbo and Aep in Moto 2. Weatherwise was wet and muddy however by Sunday races, conditions were almost ideal.

Unfortunately Indonesian Riders did not support the event to the same extent as Solo, creating problems in the 85 categories. Mongolia failed to attend with their Senior and Junior Rider therefore junior line up for the two 10min plus 2 lap Motos was one again Thailand, Philippines and Indonesia. Arunkrung won the first Moto but was later disqualified after a formal protest alleging missing a jump was lodged and upheld by the Jury. In Moto 2 he won but with the loss of Moto 1 points, Aldi Lazaroni inherits the 85cc Asian Championshp while Turbo is the leading Asian Rider in the 125cc Championship but James Robertson has amassed the most points.

To round off the 2005 Championship, the winner of the Organizer of the Year for the year will be announced on New Years day. Philippines won it last year. Who is the winner this year?

2006 is dawning as a most exciting year for the Asian Motocross Championship with first Round calendered for newly FIM affiliated Guam on January 21 / 22nd followed by Philippines Indonesia, Macau and other Rounds to be announced.

Round 1 kicked off on the weekend of Feb 5/6th at the Yigo circuit on the Island of Guam - a little bit of USA in the middle of the Pacific. Run under the auspices of the Philippine Federation (NAMSSA) Asian Riders from China, Indonesia, Japan and the Philippines were represented while Australia, New Zealand, Saipan and host Nation Guam supported this open Championship. Jeff Armin from Malaysia headed the Jury panel as President.

In Moto 1, 2004 Asian Champion and No 1 plate holder, Tadakazu Otsuka came out with all guns blazing and stormed to a win from Australia’s Christian Horwood with 2003 Champ Glen Aguilar rounding out the top 3 places. Moto 2 was a different story when Otsuka and local Rider Anthony Camacho were involved in a first corner altercation, which resulted in a DNF for them both. This time line honours went to Horwood, followed by Aguilar and New Zealand’s James Robinson. Indonesian Champ Aep Dadang had a mediocre weekend with a mechanical DNF in Moto 1 and 4th in Moto 2 and was pipped for points by fellow Countryman Denny Orlando. Youngsters Kenneth San Andries from the Philippines and first timer Shi Lok from China put in impressive performance while Osaka’s brother Motokazu had a week end he would rather forget with 2 DNF however win or lose all was forgotten at the trackside banquet after the event. Those friendly Guam people sure know how to look after visitors.

Round 2 and not so far from Guam was the second Round, this time at Palawan in the Philippines on March 19/20th. As winner of the 2004 Best Organisers Award, they started out well with having all Riders overnight first in the luxurious Dusat Manila Hotel before flying out en mass the next day to Palawan. Tadakazu or Teddy as he is popularly known suffered another DNF, this time in Moto 1 when he went over the berm on turn 2 and then scored a lowly 12 points in Moto 2. Local Glen Aguilar was the popular hero with a win for the wildly patriotic spectators in the Moto 1 but there was glum silence when Horwood turned up the wick and took the chequered flag for Moto 2. Welcome newcomers this year were Floyd Dela Cruz and Ellery Cruz from Saipan who put their bikes in the UAM container at Guam to compete the whole season. Also joining at Palawan was Chaiyan Romphan / Arnon Theplip from Thailand, Nalin Perera / Gayan Sandaruan from Sri Lanka and Chika Vijaykuma of India. Of this group Chaiyan was the highest placed with a 4th and 3rd in the two Motos. Clerk of Course Arthur Valdez acted responsibly when he reduced race time due to dust, for try as they may, with the existing draught conditions and water restrictions, the Organisers just could not keep up the water to the thirsty track.

Macau hosted Round 3 on 25/26th June at their Taipa circuit adjacent to the Marin Pousada Infante Hotel and together with the 125 Championship; this Event also featured a double Round of the 85cc Championship Event for 12 to under 15yo Riders. To qualify for Championship status there is a stipulation of at least 3 Asian Nation competitors and a minimum of 10 riders in Moto 1. The event certainly met those criteria however the lack of China Riders in both 125 and 85 was disappointing. The lack of a Japanese Junior this year was more than made up by the performance of Thailand’s 13yo Arunkrung Pinpon who put up a strong performance but it was Indonesia’s Aldi Lazaroni who came out as winner over the two events by just 1 point from the young Thai with last years Champ Iwan Hermawan in third spot followed by Philippine Riders Jan Carlo Rellosa and Jon Adlawan rounding out the top 5. Kiwi Hamish Dobbyn was fortunate to participate at Macau for the second time but not so fortunate when he suffered a wrist injury keeping him out of the Sunday races. Australia’s dim unitive Josh Cachia won 2 motos but was sidelined in the other 2 by bike problems and an upset tummy.

Back to the 125s and it was a first ever AMSC win for Kiwi JamesRobinson relishing in the mud in Moto 1 from Thai Theplib nicknamed Turbo, then Aguilar, Romphan and Orlando.

Aguilar claimed top spot in Moto 2 followed by Turbo with another consistent second, then Robinson, Motokazu and consistent Orlando. Ford Dale substituted for Christian Horwood and although keen enough to bring an engine from Australia for the ailing YZ250F, did not produce the form which gave him a third place in Japan as a Junior some years ago. After enjoying historic macau for 3 days, most Riders also took the opportunity to visit near by Hong Kong for further shopping. All in all a marvellous educational experience especially for the Juniors.

Round 4 was on August 13/14that Solo in the Indonesian Archipelago. Helmy Sungkar’s Trendy promo organization had done a marvellous job and moved the AMSC to higher levels with Aircon marquees for trackside media, catering, Jury etc. The transponder timing system with manual back up produced results as required for the AMSC and the podium presentation with anthems and press conference was outstanding. Solo was also the first Round outside Macau to qualify as a Round of the Junior Championship with Adlewan and Pinpon making up the 3 required Asian Nations and fully supported by ample Indonesian youngsters. Jarryd McNeil and his Father supported the Round by attending as did the Ashton brothers riding for the Jam team. Even though they both had falls, Jarryd won Moto 1 from Arunkrung then a fast improving Alex Wiguna with Aris Setyo and Aldi Lazaroni rounding out the top 5. In Moto 2 the Thai reversed the positions with Jarryd and came away as the series leader by 10 points from Aldi Lazaroni.

Meanwhile in 125 Moto 1, Turbo was really coming to grips with the AMSC and the 17yo current Thai Champ scored his first win from local Aep and James. Bad luck for both Glen Aguilar and Hannu Malherbe when they collided putting Hannu out with an injured collarbone and while Glen did complete the Moto 1, he suffered a damaged knee, which kept him out of Moto 2.

In the second 20min plus 2 lap Moto it was hard charging Aussie Arron Klanjscek riding for the Jam team who swept all before him on the KTM taking the win from Turbo and Aep.

Round 5, last Event for 2005 but first event organised and promoted by Havid Teo’s Jam organization. Situated at Manado, Nth Celewese, the Nov 12/13th events general promotion and organization was capabably handled by Jam’s Alex Wilando with excellent accommodation and daily transport (with police escort) to the Airmadidi Circuit. The attendance by Mohamed Belooshi marked the first entry by a UAE National and although he arrived late and with no rest, it gave him an insight to the Asian Championship for full participation next year. Jam had also brought in Troy Carrol, the current Australian No 1 Supercross Champ. Troy was the strongest Aussie to compete in Indonesia since 15yo Craig Anderson and expectedly won both Motos, lapping all but Turbo in Moto 1 and all except Turbo and Aep in Moto 2. Weatherwise was wet and muddy however by Sunday races, conditions were almost ideal.

Unfortunately Indonesian Riders did not support the event to the same extent as Solo, creating problems in the 85 categories. Mongolia failed to attend with their Senior and Junior Rider therefore junior line up for the two 10min plus 2 lap Motos was one again Thailand, Philippines and Indonesia. Arunkrung won the first Moto but was later disqualified after a formal protest alleging missing a jump was lodged and upheld by the Jury. In Moto 2 he won but with the loss of Moto 1 points, Aldi Lazaroni inherits the 85cc Asian Championshp while Turbo is the leading Asian Rider in the 125cc Championship but James Robertson has amassed the most points.

To round off the 2005 Championship, the winner of the Organizer of the Year for the year will be announced on New Years day. Philippines won it last year. Who is the winner this year?

2006 is dawning as a most exciting year for the Asian Motocross Championship with first Round calendered for newly FIM affiliated Guam on January 21 / 22nd followed by Philippines Indonesia, Macau and other Rounds to be announced. 


Puerto Princesa, PHILIPPINES

Macau, CHINA

Solo, INDONESIA