CNMI, Guam renew rivalry in Turkey Cross

The best riders from the CNMI and Guam will converge this weekend in Marianas Racing Association’s annual Turkey Cross Race at the Cowtown Race Track. (LAO ZHANG)

Marianas Racing Association will hold its annual Turkey Cross Race this weekend, Nov. 26 and 27, at the Cowtown Race Track with riders from Guam International Raceway Motorcycle and ATV Club coming to the island.

MRA president Charles Cepeda said the club is looking forward to putting on its yearly Turkey Cross Race especially as it renews its friendly rivalry with Guam motocross enthusiasts.  

“This continues a longtime friendship between Guam and the CNMI through the sport of motocross. Just as there  have been rivalry in other sports, the athletes’ connections between the two islands are always strong no matter what sport and motocross is no exception in the bond and connection between those in the sport for a long time,” he said.

Cepeda added that the CNMI and Guam renewing its motocross rivalry hopefully will also inspire the younger motocross generation.

“The expectation of some legends from Guam and CNMI joining in on race day is an excellent example for our younger riders that have just started in the sport. Racing hard on the track builds friendly rivalry amongst the motocross family forever. As president I invite the public to come both days, Saturday and Sunday to enjoy some awesome races put on by CNMI’s best motocross rider against Guam’s elite riders. We thank GIRMAC for going through great efforts to come out to Cowtown for some motocross action. I also would like to thank the [Marianas Visitors Authority], Monster Energy, the Saipan Mayor’s Office, Department of Public Works, and the Office of the Governor in their support to sports tourism,” he said.

Cepeda also acknowledged MRA’s great team of officers made up of vice president Cuki Alvarez, secretary Eleanor Cepeda, treasurer Dave Burger, and director Bridgette Camacho. 

Alvarez, for his part, views this weekend’s Turkey Cross as a chance to see where CNMI riders stand against their counterparts from Guam.

“Guam has remained active in motocross throughout the years whereas MRA died out and discontinued racing after 2009. But we made a strong comeback in 2020 and have been consistently racing ever since. So I definitely expect a close race between the two islands and it will be very exciting to see who wins! It will be the best riders from Guam against the best riders from Saipan,” he said.

The red plates of a total of 14 divisions will be up for grabs in this year’s Turkey Cross—Peewee 1, Peewee 2, Peewee ATV, Mini ATV, Power Puff Girls, Mamas Only, Minis 1, Minis 2, ATV Big Boys, Novice Open, Intermediate Open, Expert Open, Legends, and Veterans.