KAWASAKI JBS Motocross Team’s Kenneth San Andres, fresh from his victory in the 2016 FIM Asian Supermoto Championship, formally earned his 9th Rider of the Year title during the National Motorcycle Sports and Safety Association (NAMSSA) Gala Awards Night on Tuesday at the The Brewery At The Palace, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig.
San Andres extended his dominance all the way to the Asian scene last month as he ruled the Production Class of the Asian Supermoto Championship Round 3 at the Bayanihan Park in Clark, Angeles City, Pampanga.
Prior to this, in the local NAMSSA 2016 National Motocross Development Program at the Speedworld MX Circuit, SM Bicutan, San Andres clinched his Rider of Year crown by dominating both the Pro Open and Pro 125 classes of the circuit.
The many-time motocross awardee of the Philippine Sportswriters Association (PSA), is backed by Kawasaki Philippines, Motorad WRD Racing, Taichi Suit, Pirelli Tires, Motul PH, Bell Helmet, Troylee Design, Protaper, GoPro, Leatt, GAME OVER, Foilacar Industries, R33 Car Exchange, Kia Global, Halrey, R&E , JM Stickers, ProPipe, JBS Motorcycle Parts & Accessories.
“I thank God, my family, my team and supporters for this great blessing,” said the Valenzuela City native. “The challenge to be the best never stops, especially now when there are several up-and-coming riders slowly making their presence felt in the local circuit. I accept their challenge in 2017.”
Kenneth’s father/coach Junjun San Andres made it a double-time triumph for the family after clinching the 2016 PH NAMSSA Veteran’s Championship.
In what could be San Andres’ most important win in 2016, he cruised to victory in the Asian Supermoto’s seven-rider production class that was sprinkled with a couple of Asian riders and top locals that included Raniel Resuello and Moymoy Flores.
But San Andres would not be denied as he kept his aggressive driving all throughout the Supermoto course, which was a mixture of paved and rough roads.
“It was a great experience indeed. This was the first time I’ve tried supermoto to represent our country, together with Raniel Resuello and Moymoy Flores, and to be in rivalry with other top riders in asia, I really enjoyed the race. It’s something new for me,” said San Andres, who was not able to join the first two rounds in Australia and Indonesia.
“After all the trials, I’m really blessed to be still the Rider of the Year and the leading champion of motocross. My success is for people who believe in me,” said San Andres.