“Never stop riding… because I didn’t.” – Maico Greg Buncio

(September 10, 1988 – May 15, 2011)

It seems Maico Greg T. Buncio was destined for moto-racing after his dad, motorcycle legend Yoyong Buncio, bought him his first plastic ride from Toy Kingdom. The proud father recalls his son was so delighted that he crashed the foot-powered cycle into the living room furniture in their Mandaluyong City home.

When he got older, Maico received a Yamaha PW50 to test his skills as he seemed bent on following his dad's footsteps. Maico showed some mad skills as he finished first place in the 1996 FBO Motorcross series in the  50cc category in Tagaytay City. Advancing to greater heights and making a name on his own, the 19-year old prodigy managed to beat Jolet Jao, another racing great, in the 2007 Shell Superbikes Series.

After winning the 2007 event, Maico was named by the {Philippine Sportswriters Association as the country’s "King of Motorcycles" and the "Fastest Filipino on Two Wheels". Idolizing Italian biker legend Valentino Rossi his goal was to become the 1^st Filipino racer to compete in the international biking circuit. He was on the right path as he was a 4-time National Superbike Champion and the Golden Wheel Driver of the Year awardee.

Suzuki Philippines was helping pave the way for Maico’s dream to come true. Buncio was one of the riders to carry the Philippine Flag to battle other Asian countries in the Asian road racing circuit in the 600cc category with bikes reaching a maximum speed of 200 kph.

The soft spoken lad accepted the challenge of putting the Philippines and Pinoys on the international motorcycle scene .

But the bright future ahead of Maico ended tragically-  during a race in Pampanga, the 22-year old rider skidded off a sandy portion of the track and was thrown 50 meters from his bike and struck a concrete barrier, causing fatal injuries. He died less than 24 hours while undergoing medical treatment.

“Ride high in heaven” was the farewell message that supporters conveyed to the late Pinoy racing superstar by his supporters who outpoured their sympathy to Maico and his family. During his short life, Maico left a mark to the aspiring riders of his generation: skills, professionalism and love for the sport.