MX top guns determined to return

The 2005 Saipan MX Championships officially came to a close Monday night as host Marianas Racing Association presented trophies and prizes to winners of each class.

With the dust already settled, the next focus will be on next year’s international race, and according to top guns Jovie Saulog of the Philippines and New Zealand’s James “Robo” Robinson, the event will be one they intend not to miss.

Saulog, who was crowned overall champion, explained that he is determined to return to Saipan next year to defend his title.

“This is my first time on Saipan so I’m really happy,” Saulog said. “For so many years, I was planning to come here but Some problems came up. I really want to come back next year. I just hope some sponsors can come out to sponsor me. I like it here, the people are great, the track is good, and also, there are a lot of Filipinos here so it’s just like home.”

Robinson had similar thoughts, citing that he has built strong relationships with the MRA family.

“I should be back here next year. I have a lot of friends…it’s like another family here,” he said.

The two put on a show for everyone in attendance over the weekend, with Saulog winning the Veterans Class and the 250cc Expert, and Robinson taking top honors in the 125cc Expert. Saulog also finished runner-up behind Robinson in the 125cc, while Robinson returned the favor in the 250cc.

“I’m so happy with my performance,” Saulog said. “I was really doing good on the first race on Saturday, but bad luck hit me on the second heat and I had a crash on the 250cc. After that, on the 125 [cc], I had a rear flat tire, so it wasn’t looking good, but on Sunday, maybe I was just lucky because I didn’t win all the races but I won the important ones so I’m really happy.”

Saulog also explained that with Robinson in the cast, he did not expect to win.

“I learned that Robinson is here…he’s really good and I’ve raced with him three times in the FIM Series,” he said. “He’s been doing really good, so I didn’t expect to win. On Saturday in the 125cc, when I won, I felt good and I wasn’t sure if I was fast or if Robo was taking his time. I was expecting second or third place, but winning the race, I’m just happy.”

Meanwhile, Robinson was also pleased with his weekend on the track, saying that he tried to stay as consistent throughout event.

“It was really good,” he said. “I’d tried to stay really consistent but because of my last race in the 250cc class, it hurt me quite a bit in dropping in points, so I lost the overall, but I stayed consistent throughout the day, which I was pretty happy with.”

Robinson crashed his bike while in the lead in the final heat of the 250cc competition and had a rough time getting his engine started, giving others the opportunity to pass him.

“The competition wasn’t too bad. The Filipino riders are pretty good, but certainly I felt I was fastest out there. Its just really getting out on front and staying out of trouble, and crashing in my last race didn’t help.”

Next stop for Robo is his homeland as he returns to train for an FIM race in Indonesia next month.

Both riders also extended their appreciation to sponsors, hosts, organizers, and everyone who supported the event.