Saipan does well in Rota motocross

Racers kicked up dust, caught sweet air, and delighted race fans as the island of Rota played host to the Bisita Luta Fiesta Motocross earlier in the month, and riders from Saipan returned home with the lion’s share of the top spots.

Competitors hailing from Rota, Saipan, Guam, and the Philippines mounted a variety of off-road machines as they pushed themselves to their limits to earn valuable points for the championship.

There were three heats spread out over Friday, Oct. 8, and Saturday, Oct. 9, and points were awarded to each rider based upon how the racer finished in their class. The rider with the most points in their class at the end of the two-day affair was declared the winner.

For the Mini-ATV, James Cepeda Jr. from Guam took the title in his class, followed by fellow Guamanian Andrew Ignacio and John Camacho of Rota.

The reigning champ of the Mini ATV Power Puff Britney “Princess” Camacho took the tape as the experienced youngster has so many times before.

There were no holds barred in the Mid-Ranged ATV class, as Christopher Alepuyo won all three heats ahead of a mixed field of Tioni Alvarez, Elizabeth Tenorio, and R.J. Miyasaki of Guam.

The Mini 50 and Super Mini categories showcased first place finisher Ignacio returning for another go-round, and Cepeda going head to head on the challenging track.

Saipan swept the Modified 50 division, as Frank Santos finished ahead of second place Jacob Jones and third place Devin Noissom before the 60-65ccs took the track.

Aaron Pangelinan of Saipan bested Tony Corpuz of Guam Christian Manzanarez of Rota in the Novice division, while the Guamanian raced unopposed in the Expert class.

Adding a little bit of grace to the competition was the Power Puff Girls division. Meagan Cruz took the title, followed by Ana Tenorio, and Michelle “Mickey B” Burger. The fans were treated with an incredible race that featured several lead changes, wipeouts and double jumps.

The more experienced riders dusted off their gear and competed in the Veterans division. MRA president Steve Sablan was the first to cross the line, followed by James Cepeda Sr. of Guam and Greg Sablan of Saipan.

Circling the track on 80-85ccs of power, the Fast and Furious division crowned Willie Pangelinan of Guam and Saipan’s own DJ “500 laps” Camacho as champions in class.

Those wanting more power hopped on bigger bikes and entered the 125 Novice and Expert races. Dave Celis was able to ride away with the title in the novice, while Cuki Alvarez outraced the pack around the track in the Expert.

The Big Boys ATV novice and Expert races were fan favorites, as Jesse Celis of Saipan took the tape in the Novice, while and Henry Camacho, Sr. avenged his third place finish at the Tinian Fiesta with a win in Rota.

As a reminder to all of the members of the Marianas Racing Association, there will be a meeting at Kilili Beach on Monday, Nov. 8, at 6:30pm.