Clark wins Big Boy ATV in swan song

Greg Clark made his finale in the Marianas Racing Association circuit count after topping the Big Boy ATV Class of last Sunday’s 2024 “MOTO IV” Points Race Series at the Cowtown Race Park in Marpi.

In the penultimate race of the division this season, the 60-year-old won the first heat before finishing second on Heat 2 for 47 points. He edged Christian “Hollywood” Camacho, who came in third on Heat 1 before turning on the afterburners in the second heat for 45 points. Henry Camacho Sr. completed the Top 3 with 42 points.

“The track was in great racing shape. Tacky and technical from the rain made for some fantastic races. Focus and skill were pushed to the limits for the racers. Racer’s luck was on my side, it does happen. Only a mechanical issue from Hollywood gave me the overall. I’ve been trying to beat him straight up for the past year. Can’t do it. He is too fast and doesn’t wear down,” said Clark about Sunday’s race.

And his win aboard his 2006 Suzuki LTR450 couldn’t have come at a better time as Clark will be moving back to the U.S. mainland at the end of August.

“Moving back to the states at the end of the month. One of my most difficult decisions! Ironically, that was my last race. Retiring from racing, again. My racing career started in Nevada in the ’80s with flat-tracking 3-wheelers. Moved to Oregon and it was MX and desert racing from there. I am very fortunate to have raced over 20 years in all the western states and now on this beautiful island.”

Before bidding Saipan adieu, Clark thanked MRA and the island’s motocross community for the great experience he had the past couple of years.

“I would like to thank all of the racers that do and have helped me get to the starting gate every time. We all help each other because we are one big racing family—only on Saipan! I have raced at many venues during my career, but none come even close to the scenic beauty of Cowtown. It always gives me a special feeling when I drop in to the track and take in the view—brown dirt, green trees, blue water. Priceless!”

Clark said he always knew of Saipan and have been planning on retiring on the tropical island for 20 years and fortunately he did, albeit for a short time.

“I arrived on Saipan two years ago and haven’t stopped sweating! I absolutely love it here, so peaceful. I like living in peace. All kinds of outdoor activities are such a bonus. I started doing the bike races here and really enjoy it. So, looks like I’m not really retiring from racing, just changing disciplines. And with moving to Reno/Tahoe area, can’t wait to ride on.”

Clark added that the past two years on this little dot in the middle of the Pacific with its warm people will be etched in his memory forever.

“Undoubtedly, for me, Saipan’s greatest resource are its people. I have never had so many friends. Friends that I can kind of call family. I am leaving a better person because of it and will be back for sure. And all the events put on killer banquets!”

In the Mini ATV, Anella Igitol was the lone racer after her lone competitor didn’t finish. She gobbled all 50 points.

Results of the other classes will be published in the next issue of Saipan Tribune.