Rubi shines in Cowtown

An appreciative crowd was on hand at the Cowtown Motocross Track on Sunday to witness Popeye Rubi’s pair of victories in Marpi as the Marianas Racing Association teamed up with Shell Marianas to host another impressive display of speed and fearlessness in the November points race.

Rubi soared across the final tabletop to take the checkered flag ahead of a dust cloud in both heats of the 125cc Open competition, while Roman Tudela proved that he was a second place fella by taking the first runner-up award in each of the heats. “Pretty Boy” Floyd Dela Cruz was unable to find the edge he had in past months atop his 250cc machine and had to settle for third place, while Ellery Cruz and fellow 250cc rider Weng Yap took fourth and fifth, respectively.

The exciting races were only the final two events of a near-perfect day in which the riders roared around the course leaving a brown cloud in their wake while onlookers caught glimpses of those that flew and the ocean’s blue. As with all of the MRA events at the home of high-flying daredevils, the action thrilled all who sat back and enjoyed watching the rookies and veterans master their machines.

Glenn Pangelinan was the master of his domain in the Novice division as he was the first to round the course in each of the heats to edge Dave Celis and third place finisher Megan Cruz in the 125cc Class.

The smaller bikes also raised a few eyebrows as Manny Flores took the title in the 80-85cc Class by edging Hank Camacho Jr. in the final heat. Aaron Pangelinan had an exciting run to third place as well by passing D.J. Camacho in the second heat to hand the C-Man a fourth place finish.

Rocker and rider Steve Sablan was unbeatable once again in the cagey Veterans Class, as he beat out second place finisher Mel Cepeda and third place Charles Cepeda as the trio finished one-two-three through each of the heats. Kiki Ada landed fourth place after trading places with Roy Sablan in the races, but Ada got the better of Sablan in the final heat to earn the higher ranking.

The youngsters also got involved in the fray as Franklin Santos ruled the 60-65cc Class yet again with a thrilling win in the second heat in which he left the pack in the dust after the first turn in front of the race marshal Jay Jones. Santos has been on a tear, but the fearless rider took third place in the first heat due to a broken spoke. Just like in their September race, Jared Sablan and Jacob Jones were in a fight for first runner-up, but Jones managed to pass Sablan on the final turn of the final lap to take second place to take third overall in the class.

Those with a passion for four-wheeling went around the course as well, as Chris Alepuyo retained his rule atop the ATV Class with 47 points on the day following a first and second place finish. Ton Ton Alepuyo took second place yet again with 45 points after finishing third in the first heat and first in the second, while Manny Celis took third (38) and Henry Camacho, Jr. finished in fourth with 22 points.

A pair of nine-year-old racers took the plums in their respective categories as mini ATV rider Britney Camacho joined mini-bike rider Edinna Cepeda as the duo maneuvered through the dusty circuit to take first place finishes.

The next event for the MRA is also the last rowdy run around the track for the year as the mean machines are slated to return to Marpi on Sunday, Dec. 11, at the Cowtown Track in Marpi at 10:30am.