73 riders confirmed for Tegal motocross

73 riders confirmed for Tegal motocross

JAKARTA (JP): Seventy-three riders have confirmed their
participation in the Gudang Garam international motocross
championships in Tegal, Central Java, on Feb. 7 and Feb. 8.

Organizer Helmy Sungkar told The Jakarta Post yesterday that
he expected 140 motocrossers in the two-day opening leg of the
series.

"We hope we can get to 140 crossers in the Tegal race. We have
already received confirmation from six Australian riders which
will be a good challenge for our local racers," Helmy said.

The local crossers expected to compete include Irwan
Ardiansyah, Satya Sunarso, Andy Suryanto (Yamaha team), Aep
Dadang, Pieter Tanujaya, Hendrik (Honda team), Johny Pranata,
Denny Orlando, Frans Tanujaya and Hendriansyah (Suzuki team).

Helmy also said preparations for the race were nearly complete
and should be finished on time. "For the Tegal people, this race
is a big event and they certainly don't want to miss out on
watching it."

He added that to make the event more entertaining, the
organizers had erected a big stage near the circuit which will
feature a local band playing dangdut music on Sunday at 12:30
p.m. and 4 p.m.

"We do not want the spectators to be bored while waiting for
each race so we will entertain them with the music. The band will
play during the intervals between races. Through this
entertainment, we expect to attract as many spectators as
possible," Helmy said. Last year's race only attracted 30,000
people.

Helmy also said that the Tegal regent, Soetjipto, was expected
to open the event on Feb. 7.

Total prize money of Rp 13.5 million is on offer. The top
three finishers in the 125cc, 250cc and 80 cc classes will
receive Rp 1.5 million, Rp 800,000 and Rp 400,000 respectively.
The winners will also receive trophies.

Registration is still open. The entry fee is Rp 25,000 per
motorcycle. Competitors can register at Pengda IMI Jawa Tengah,
Jl. Erlangga Tengah No. 5, Semarang, MMC Club, Jl. Raya
Pengasinan Km 3, Purwokerto and Trendypromo Mandira, Jl.
Kesehatan 2 No. 6, Bintaro, Jakarta Selatan.

Tickets are Rp 3,500 for Saturday's races and Rp 6,000 for
Sunday. There are also tribune tickets costing Rp 15,000 each.
(lnt)