Jacq Buncio of the Suzuki-Wheeltek Racing Team, powered by Total Phils., showed no signs of easing off by ruling three races in Round 3 of Pirelli Cup Superbike Championship at Clark International Speedway recently.
Despite having only two days to find her pacing and the right setup for her bike, Buncio chopped off 5 seconds from her last year’s personal lap record to become the fastest and first lady rider to break the 2-minute laptime barrier at Speedway with her clocking of 1:59.8.
Aboard her Suzuki GSX-R1000R bike, Buncio started from the front row of the grid and had a close fight with a fellow rider in the early laps of the race, but didn’t wilt under pressure and bounced back to the top spot of the podium with a big margin over her rivals and the championship in the Pirelli Cup Heavyweight Division A.
Meanwhile, in the Philippine Superbike Rookie class, she finished first place in both races and ranked fourth place overall in the Superbike Open Class, alongside more experienced, male riders.
“Every time I do an overtaking at the Acacia turn right after Maico’s Bend (formerly dog leg bend) after the hairpin section, I feel confident because I know, kuya Maico is guiding me,” said the 17-year-old Jacq, referring to the inspiration she gets from her late brother, superbikes’ legend Maico.
Dashi Watanabe and his Watanabe Racing Development Team, who are responsible for Jacq’s emergence as a force in the superbikes’ scene, were elated no end seeing another dominant show from “the fastest lady on two wheels.”
“We worked with many things in the third round here in Clark International Speedway because this is Jacq’s first time to race a 1000cc bike. But I am confident in Jacq. She improved a lot after the last 2 rounds in BRC and now we just concentrated on some riding style adjustments and bike set up. After that, she surpassed all expectations once again by another victory. Another step closer to the championship crown. Good luck and Godspeed Lady Jacq,” said Watanabe.
Buncio, who is backed by Suzuki, Wheeltek, Total Excellium Fuel and Total Hi-Perf Motorcycle Oil, YRS Modifications, SSS Chain, KYT helmet, YSS suspension, Amaron Batteries, SPRS Leather suit, SEC Motosupply, G4 Buko Pandan and Galfer Brake system, tries to boost her bid for the overall championship in Round 4 of the series on Aug. 4 and 5 at Clark International Speedway.
Jacq’s older sister Des, who was the 2017 2nd overall champion in the Lightweight A category and now racing in the Heavyweight B category, which was Jacq’s category last year, is using a 600cc sports bike against her male foes’ bikes that are 1000cc and above.
Now running second overall points’ leader in the concluded first and second rounds of the 2018 series in her category, Des could have closed the gap even further, but suffered two crashes during the race weekend.
“Finished fourth overall. Sasama na sana ang loob ko pero imbes na tanungin ako ng mga tao bakit ako nagkamali, inuna nilang tanungin kung safe ako,” said Des. “Sobrang suwerte ko na napapaligiran ako ng mga supportive na tao. Bawi nalang po tayo sa susunod.”
