Filipino superbike rider Maico Buncio is the country’s fastest man on two wheels

Posted at 8:59 pm March 29, 2011

Tags: Motorsports, Sports Events

SHARE YOUR STORIES

Got a similar Story? Share it here

See list of businesses related to Sports Events

By Marjorie Gorospe

ANGELES CITY, PAMPANGA - After being crowned the fastest man on two wheels in the country four years in a row, Maico Buncio believes he is ready to take his racing career to another level.

The 22-year-old racing phenom will represent the country in next month’s the ASEAN Road Racing Championship in Sepang, Malaysia along with fellow superbike racer John Lerry Enriquez under Suzuki Team Philippines.

Maico has been hailed as one of the country’s brightest prospects in motor sports. Last February, he was named Golden Wheel Driver of the Year, winning over some of the country’s biggest racing names.

Maico won four straight titles in the Philippine Superbikes Championship Series. No small feat since he first started racing big bikes in 2007, which he personally considers his most memorable year winning over veterans Jolet Jao and Glen Aguilar.

Before riding superbikes, Maico was no stranger to winning titles, having competed in motocross before shifting to road racing.

He is especially excited about racing in Sepang since it’s the first time the Philippines will send a representative to the event, with the endorsement of the Philippine Sports Commission.

As the race draws near, he makes sure not to skip practice to enhance his speed and stamina.

“I have to be physically and mentally fit on that day and I mostly do cardiovascular activities at night,” he says, noting that superbike racers are not allowed to gain weight as it will be a big factor in the race. His listed weight, by the way, is 62 kilograms.

Maico started racing since he was three years old through the encouragement of his father. According to him, there are downsides and good sides of superbike racing.

“Of course, injury is unavoidable and I had the worst back in my younger years but that can never stop me from doing what I really want,” he says,adding that his family’s support is a big factor in his racing career.

He was previously racing for another team until Suzuki decided on take him under its wing and support his international bid.

Maico consistently practices riding his motorcycle until the engine is finally tailored to his capabilities as a racer. Being sponsored by Suzuki affords him premier technical expertise.

“One thing people should know is that the speed does not solely depend on the motor itself but it is also a team effort from the crew who engineers the superbike to the racer.”

Maico is hoping motocross and superbike races get more support so that more Filipino riders like him get a chance to compete abroad. After Sepang, he is set to compete in China, Qatar and Indonesia this year.

“We see many bikes roving around all over the country and I take it as a sign that there is a future for us Filipinos in this sport. I am just happy that I can help raise the bar when it comes to superbike racing.”