STA ANA, Cagayan — As many as 130 riders, including prominent national and Asian campaigners, are expected to gather in Sta. Ana, Cagayan for the first-ever motocross championship to be staged here, headquarters of the Cagayan Economic Zone Authority and home of Port Irene.
The race, dubbed the 2018 CEZA-Eastern Hawaii National Motocross Championship, is part of the 2nd round of this year’s Philippine championship series of the National Motorcycle Sports and Safety Association (NAMSSA), the sporting authority for motorcycle sports in the Philippines.
“Since July, it is on record that we have introduced many firsts in CEZA. This is another, and it marks a new milestone in our concerted efforts to promote CEZA as an investment hub and a tourism destination in Northern Luzon.” said Secretary Raul L. Lambino, Administrator and CEO of the Zone, as he stressed the importance of the event scheduled April 14-15 here.
The race is the first of the summer events lined up by CEZA in this sprawling special economic and Freeport town.
Philippine Motocross Rider of the Year Kenneth San Andres heads the cast of riders, and is expected to face a stiff challenge from Moy-Moy Flores and Gabriel “Bilog” Macaso, to name a few hopefuls.
Trophies and allowances are up for grabs in the 14 national categories and two local races, which are exclusive for Cagayan riders and athletes.
Lambino said he is expecting riders and race enthusiasts from Northern Luzon and motocross enthusiasts in the country to flock to Sta. Ana for the two-day event.
The new, rugged off-road race track is located in Centro Sta. Ana and meets the design, safety standards and technical guidelines of the Federation Internationale de Motocyclisme (FIM).
FIM is the world’s governing body for two-wheel motorsports and has NAMSSA as its authorized member in the Philippines. NAMSSA is affiliated with the Philippine Olympic Committee (POC).
“Everything is set. The riders and teams are excited to take part in this national motocross event and are eager to give motocross fans a competition to remember.” said Stephan “Macky” Carapiet, president of NAMSSA Phils. and FIM ASIA.
He thanked Sec. Lambino for “bringing motocross racing to Sta. Ana on a scale never before seen by locals.”
“We are proud to have this sport closely associated with CEZA,” he said.
This year’s race is being supported by Eastern Hawaii Leisure Company Limited.
Created by Congress more than two decades ago, the Cagayan Freeport is being developed into a self-sustaining industrial, investment, commercial, financial, sports and recreational center.
Cagayan’s natural wonders and pristine powdery white beaches, especially those found in Palaui Island, are being introduced as new destination spots for the adventure seekers and holiday makers.