Jacq Buncio of Suzuki-Wheeltek Racing Team, powered by Total Phils., made history by clinching the first-ever Rookie Category of the Philippine Superbikes (PSBK) National Championships 2018 season on Sunday at the Clark International Speedway.
The 18-year-old Jacq, the youngest in the grid at that, scored 37.5 and 33 in the pre-finals and finals to run away the best rookie title with a total of 308.5 points, a feat that further cemented her status as the fastest lady rider in the country today. Runner-up BJ Ang finished with 168 points.
As an icing on her cake, Jacq, using a Suzuki GSX-R1000R, also emerged as the 1st runner up of the Pirelli Cup after having an intense and head on battle with strong competitor Pocholo Panlilio in the series composed of six-leg races running under the 2018 National Motorcycle Championships. She even finished in the top five among her expert and master contenders.
“I am humbled with all the support and love everyone has given to me for the whole season. No words can explain the hardships I’ve gone through for the past 7 months of racing, but nevertheless the season was filled with lessons which I can use for future races,” said Jacq, who is also backed by Total Hi-Perf, KYT Helmet, AMARON Batteries, SSS Sprocket and Chains, SEC Motosuply, Augi Racing Boots, Galfer Brakes and G4 Buko Pandan.
“To my family for always being my number one fan, specially mommy and daddy for always having my back and helping me bounce back from the bottom. To kuya Dashi Watanabe, you never doubted my capabilities in racing and I want to thank the whole Watanabe Racing Development for accepting me with open arms. And finally, thank you Lord for keeping me safe,” Jacq added.
Meanwhile, Jacq’s sister Des Buncio, who used the only 600cc 2007 model machine against bikes with bigger engines, made it a Sisters’ Act by winning the Pirelli Cup Heavyweight B championship.
“I was afraid that I won’t be able to get enough points for the overall championship because of my leg injury during the 5th leg in Batangas. The final round came and maybe the Lord worked his magic because I was not able to train with my condition the whole month, all I did was to rest, find new hobbies that were’nt physically demanding and pray I can recover soon. I placed 3rd place during final leg but earned huge points from the start of the season with 189 overall points and still putting me as the 2018 Heavyweight B Overall Champion,” said Des, who is also backed by Total Excellium, HJC Helmets, OZ Racing Apparels, Black Mamba energy drink, SSS Sprocket and Chains, AUGI racing Boots and SEC Motosuply.
The success of Jacq and Des Buncio goes alongside the big return of Suzuki on the superbikes racing scene with one of its top dealers Wheeltek Motor Sales Corporation. The partnership between these three strong names in the country’s motoring scenes aims to continue the unfinished business of the late and legendary Maico Buncio—one of the most decorated and fastest riders that the Philippines has ever seen.
“Not even in my wildest imagination that these two girls of mine will achieve this level in this kind of sport,” said Yoyong Buncio, the father of Jacq and Des. “After what had happened to their brother, Maico a multi-awarded Motorsport Athlete in our country, Jacq started racing in scooter, underbone, backbone and now in superbikes. She is now racing for five years and nearly four years with Des. Me and my wife Mylene didn’t think that they will embrace the sport that their brother Maico left behind. We thought we have retired with this sport, but no one knew that these two girls of ours, a sisters’ act in the world of motorsports racing, will love the sport.”