International crossers to compete in Riau

JAKARTA (JP): Crossers from New Zealand, Australia, Japan and Thailand have confirmed their participation in the Gudang Garam Asia-Pacific Championship in Pekanbaru, Riau, from Oct. 18 to Oct. 19.

"The four countries as well as host Indonesia will send their best crossers to the two-day event," organizer Helmy Sungkar said yesterday. Thirty local and 12 foreign riders have already registered to compete.

The race will be held at the Alam Mayang Tangkerang open circuit in Pekanbaru.

Helmy said that preparations at the circuit began last month with the help of eight experts who are also designing the track.

"We hope that the circuit will be completed within six days," Helmy said.

Helmy was satisfied that teams from Honda, Yamaha and Suzuki had agreed to participate in the event. "There will also be young crossers from Australia who will demonstrate their skills in the special engine and grass track divisions."

Indonesia's best junior crosser, Hendriansyah, is scheduled to compete on a Suzuki, together with his brother Irwan Ardiansyah. Hendriansyah leads the national motorcross ranking list.

The races are offering prize money of Rp 15 million (US$4,000), the minimum cash stipulated in the Asian Motocross Championships regulations.

Registration is still open at the Indonesian Motor Association Riau chapter secretariat, at the Tribuana Sayap Kanan Stadium, Jl. Diponegoro 59, Pekanbaru, and Trendypromo Mandira, Jl. Kesehatan 2 No. 6, Bintaro, South Jakarta.

Registration is Rp 125,000 for the special engine category and Rp 25,000 for the grass track category. (lnt)