Video: Epic Scooter Roadrace

As someone who grew up in the US, I see scooters as a cheap form of personal transportation, they're essentially viewed as "cute" entry level machines here. I come across a lot of scooter owners who have no interest in motorcycles or riding for fun, simply seeing their scooter as inexpensive reliable transportation. These two guys in the video reside on the other end of the scooter spectrum. In other parts of the world scooters are wildly popular. Unbeknownst to me, there is a subculture of people upgrading, tricking out and racing scooters. Not unlike how 600cc & 1000cc bikes are used where I live.

Recently i came across one of the most fun videos I've seen this year and it consists of two men in the Phillipines, racing each other on tricked-out 149cc scooters on non-closed public roads. Dragging knees and dodging oncoming traffic all throughout the race. This two wheeled battle began on Facebook where the two racers argued over who is faster, eventually culminating with this race. Making it all the more intense was the near $20,000 pot going to whoever wins. There are no details on exactly who ponied up the cash for this event but I imagine each of the two racers likely contributed significantly, as did friends and neighbors. So without any permits or road closures, the two met up for this epic little race. This means they are sharing their racetrack with every other car and bike on the road, sometimes barley squeezing past oncoming vehicles, adding to the excitement of this event. There's also something fun about watching two guys in full racing leathers tearing it up on scooters that I personally would never think to race.

Im unsure of how common or popular underground road racing is over seas, but judging by the large crowds of people lining the sides of the roads, (reported to be in the thousands!). I'd say this subculture has a serious following in the Phillipines, and honestly, I get it. Its fun and exciting to watch, these guys are seriously pushing these little scooters hard. As someone who watches and studies racing, I will say that while both riders are clearly experienced and skilled, demonstrating well executed overtakes and continuing to go all out even when nearly trading paint, but something tells me they don't have much or any traditional race training, at least based on several observations I made. Instead of opening up the throttle smoothly and continuously, these two guys seem to be anything but smooth with their right hand at several points. (Luckily scooters are far more forgiving and less likely to high side you for poor throttle control). The lines that each of them choose aren't really ideal, missing the apex more often than not. I assume both men knew what parts of the road had gravel to look out for as they frequently use more track than the road provides, cutting across shoulders and roadsides in order to take the fastest line possible. (While still missing the apex). All that aside, this race is arguably more entertaining than a lot of professional racing I've seen. Would I want to watch a 40 minute scooter race? No, probably not, but this short video is totally worthwhile. Do yourself a favor and check this video out. These two 'street-Rossi's' don't disappoint. Without ruining it I will say it comes down to a very close finish. With most professional motorcycle racing seasons having wrapped up for the year, this is exactly the kind of thing that gives me my fix in the off season. Ride safe. (Arguably unlike these two).