Oscar Vromas takes int'l motocross title

JAKARTA (JP): Oscar Vromas of the Netherlands wrapped up his Lucky Strike international motocross championships campaign in style, producing a come-from-behind run to take the overall title after the grueling final leg yesterday.

Vromas headed a pack of world-class overseas crossers who prevailed over Indonesian rivals in yesterday's race at the Cibubur circuit with 133 points. The 21-year-old Dutchman outscored the previous championship leader Damon Smith of New Zealand by just two points.

Riding his Honda CR, Vromas finished first in the moto one of the prestigious 125cc international class, clocked the second fastest time in the moto two and came third in the moto three to earn all important 52 points.

Smith, who failed to match Vromas' explosive drive yesterday, called it a day after feeling the heat.

"It's very hot here. Besides, I've been sick for the past two weeks," Smith, who left Vromas 20 points behind after the first three legs of the championships series, grumbled. Smith trailed the end of the pack in all three races yesterday in his Suzuki RM.

In the absence of Japan's ace crosser Akira Hosono, Vromas found his real test in the last moto. Setting the pace briefly in the first laps, the European number six led the rest of the stage, highlighted by Australian world number two Jeff Leisk and Belgium's Peter Iven. The Belgian eased past Leisk in a sharp curve four laps into the finish and kept his commanding lead from that point on.

"I feel great. My motorbike ran as expected," Vromas said of his first title here. Vromas, who will race in the 250cc category next year due to sponsorship commitment, gave Indonesian riders a lesson on how to handle a curve while speeding up.

National leading crosser Frans Tanujaya took the national championships title, thanks to his additional 47 points yesterday. His brother Pieter, whose 12th place in the international division outclassed those of national riders, shined with 60 points, but remained 23 points behind Frans. (amd)

Final standings

International 1. Oscar Vromas (Hol) 133pt 2. Damon Smith (NZ) 131 3. Akira Hosono (Jap) 100 4. Kentaro Murahashi (Jap) 99 5. Jason Marshall (Aus) 87

National 1. Frans Tanujaya 213pt 2. Pieters Tanujaya 190 3. Johny Pranata 155 4. Eddy Sumampouw 121 5. Satya Sunarso 118