Cuki edges Champi in Veterans Class

Justis “Cuki” Alvarez barely beat Champi Villacanes in the Veterans Class of last Sunday’s race in the 2024 “MOTO IV” Points Race Series at the Cowtown Race Park.

The 53-year-old boat captain finished tied with Villacanes in the March race with 47 points apiece, but ultimately took the checkered flag by winning the final heat.

Charles Cepeda completed the Top 3 with 40 points, while Ray Yumul and Ponce Rase wound up fourth and fifth with identical 34 points in this month’s Marianas Racing Association tilt.

Alvarez said he’s just lucky that he was able to pick up his first win of the season in the Veterans Class as Villacanas and Cepeda were tugging on his coattails.

“The racing was very competitive in the Veterans Class. Both Champi and Charles Cepeda were on the gas and kept me on my toes in both heats and it was a battle until the last lap. It was hot and dry and very dusty. But track conditions were nice and groomed thanks to MRA president Ellery Cruz doing some nice touch ups mid-week,” he said.

The Trench Tech Racing owner said he knew he had fight in his hands when Villacanas took the pole position after Heat 1.

“Champi edged me out in the first heat on the last turn so I knew I had to beat him in Heat 2 to secure the overall. Last month, Tim Wenden from Guam won the overall in our class going 2-1. He didn’t make it out this race so I am back in the points lead with seven rounds remaining.”

He then went on to thank his family and sponsors for making his motocross career going.

“I dedicate this win and all my wins to my family and friends so that I can continue to inspire them at the ripe old age of 53 showing them that I can still go strong and enjoy racing for the long haul. My bike is a 2023 KXF250 (Kawasaki) from Cycles Plus Guam. They support and sponsor us. Being that it was St Patrick’s Day last Sunday, Team Green was able to get the wins!” said Alvarez.

In the Novice Class, Christan Camacho also nipped Matthew Guerrero by winning Heat 2 to secure the monthly plum after both came away with 47 points. Rasa then beat out Frankie Sablan for third place by also winning the finals heat after both riders notched 38 points.

Results of the other divisions of the March race will be published in the next issues of Saipan Tribune.