Ayala Vermosa now home to national motorsports training base
2026-02-11 - 11:16
This is a press release from Ride for Solidarity, a social innovation organization focused on professionalizing Philippine motorsports through structured competition and safety-driven programs. Ride for Solidarity (RFS) has officially established the Philippine Off-Road Riding Center at Ayala Vermosa Sports Hub in Imus, Cavite, following a multi-party Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) signing with the National Motorcycle Sports & Safety Association (NAMSSA) and Ayala Vermosa. This strategic alliance creates a national headquarters for off-road competition, uniting NAMSSA’s technical governance with Vermosa’s world-class facilities to professionalize the sport and provide a measurable pathway for Filipino athletes. Under the agreement, NAMSSA—the Philippines’ motorcycle NSA (National Sports Association) recognized by the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC), the Philippine Olympic Committee (POC), and the Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme (FIM)—will provide exclusive regulatory supervision. NAMSSA brings an unparalleled 35-year track record of racing oversight. Throughout over three decades of sanctioned events, the federation has maintained a zero-fatality record, a testament to its rigorous standards for licensing, officiating, and safety compliance. This partnership ensures the 2026 season operates within a globally recognized framework of integrity and rider protection. The MOA signing unveiled an ambitious 2026 calendar designed to bridge the gap between local talent and international prestige: National MX Leg 1 (April 2026): The season kicks off in the second week of April at the Philippine Off-Road Riding Center in Ayala Vermosa. The 1st Official National Rally Raid (May 1–3, 2026): Marking a historic first for the country, this sanctioned competition will take place at Ayala’s Alviera in Porac, Pampanga. Spanning over 100 kilometers of grueling race distance, the course features a diverse landscape of lahars, riverbeds, and technical forest trails. This event serves as the primary training ground to prepare Filipino athletes for global rally competitions in 2027, with the ultimate goal of hosting an Asian international rally in the Philippines by next year. Hooligan Pilipinas Launch: A new racing series featuring an inclusive flat track format, designed to expand the community and discover raw talent across various motorcycle styles. “World-level athletes require world-class environments. What we are building here are not simply races, but structured training grounds where talent can be measured, ranked, and developed. Skill exists everywhere; it is the system around the rider that turns potential into champions. Today, Philippine motorsports moves in step with the global stage. We thank Ride for Solidarity for initiating this movement and Ayala Vermosa for hosting the vision,” said Stephan “Macky” Carapiet, NAMSSA president. Serving as the primary anchor for the 2026 season, Ayala Vermosa Sports Hub provides the infrastructure necessary for elite athlete development. The estate integrates the Riding Center into a premier sporting destination, featuring: Philippine Off-Road Academy: Structured rider education from grassroots to advanced levels. RFS Adventure Hub: A dedicated space for industry partners and gear suppliers to support the growing off-road community. Rupert Ambill II of RFS said: “These partnerships with the National Motorcycle Sports & Safety Association and Ayala Vermosa Sports Hub allow us to move from standalone events toward a structured national platform for athlete development. With recognized governance and a stable base for our programs, Filipino riders can train consistently, compete credibly, and prepare for higher levels of international racing. We believe that when we dream, we dream for others — and by developing the next generation of champions, we also promote the Philippines as a destination for world-class motorsport and adventure tourism. We are not just racing; we are helping in nation-building and shaping a national dream.” – Rappler.com