New heights for Saipan motocross

The sport of motocross racing on Saipan has definitely been growing over the years, with more riders suiting up for action as well as the acquisition of a new track on Marpi.

The sport on Saipan, however, is still thirsting for more, and like an answered prayer, the golden opportunity for racers to further excel is on hand.

This according to Norman del Rosario, art director at the Verizon Marketing Department, who disclosed yesterday that the Federation Internationale de Motorcycisme, a major motocross body in the world that is also recognized by the International Olympic committee, has expressed interest in including Saipan in its circuit.

Del Rosario, who just last Monday received a letter declaring him as a consultant on Saipan to the National Motorcycle Sports and Safety Association, indicated that plans are in the works for FIM to hold a major event on Saipan sometime next year.

“According to NAMSSA, Saipan has the potential to excel in this kind of sport,” he said. “That’s how the selection of Saipan as host to the event came about.”

Dubbed the 2005 FIM Asian Supercross Championships, the event would include topnotch riders from within the FIM family, a group consisting of ranked riders from 11 countries including Thailand, Australia, United States, Philippines, New Zealand, Indonesia, China, Sri Lanka, India, Japan, and Malaysia. Also included are riders from Guam.

The event will include races for all categories—50cc to Pro Open—and will also include a freestyle jump competition.

Del Rosario said he will meet with the Marianas Racing Association board sometime soon to discuss the issue.

“I am planning on meeting with them and sharing what NAMSSA and FIM envision, and hopefully we can work together in getting support for the event,” he said.

Del Rosario said that if the FIM event is approved—based on support from local government and businesses—local riders will not only be able to compete in the event, but in the FIM circuit as well.

“If all goes well, then the riders from Saipan will also be eligible to compete in the other FIM races around the world,” he said. “That’s one way of picking up the level of motocross racing here as they will compete against top riders. They’ll be exposed to international competition, and that one of the best ways to improve and get better.”

With that, del Rosario is welcoming support from the local government agencies, especially the Marianas Visitors Authority, as well as private sector businesses.

“We trying to get the support of the government because we know this will be a good opportunity to promote Saipan,” he said. “If the event is held here, footage of hot tourists spots will be filmed and a 30-minute T.V. special standalone will feature Saipan on ESPN and Star T.V. at the various locations which the FIM circuit hits…because it would be part of the FIM circuit.”

Del Rosario said NAMSSA general manager and president of UAM Asian Motocross and Enduro Commission Stephan Carapiet has indicated that if necessary, he will come to Saipan to assist MRA and Del Rosario in presenting plans to the government.

“He is willing to be here in person to help us,” he said.

Del Rosario also disclosed that if the event is held here next year, FIM will sponsor a motocross school that features training sessions for the public before the Championships.

Professional riders will be here training the public free of charge, and will teach several aspects on the sport.

Among the top riders who will compete on Saipan soil if the event goes down is Asia’s No. 1 ranked Glen Aguilar of the Philippines. Aguilar is also the 2003 Asian Supercross Champion.

“He’ll be here for sure, as well as top ranked riders from the other countries,” del Rosario said.

Meanwhile, Rosario, who was in charge of the Verizon Motocross team consisting of top Filipino riders during MRA races since 2001, said he was appointed as NAMSSA consultant after his name was referred to the organization [by the Verizon riders].

He said FIM riders have shown interest in competing in events hosted by MRA, but were stricken from doing so as FIM licenses do not cover MRA races. With the new event, FIM riders will be able to finally taste Saipan competition.

In a letter, Carapiet explained that Del Rosario also holds marketing rights for the planned event.

Carapiet also noted that NAMSSA also aims at bolstering “international exchange of relationships of motorcycle sports between Saipan and Philippines.”

For more information, contact del Rosario at namssa.spn@vzpacifica.net.