MRA: MX Championships a success

Action in the 2005 Saipan MX Championships officially concluded yesterday, but not before an international and local cast of motocross riders wowed and thrilled hundreds of spectators at the Cowtown Raceway Park in Marpi.

With riders such as James “Robo” Robinson, Popeye Rubi, Jing Leongson, Cuci Alvarez, Steve Sablan, and Floyd Dela Cruz, among the many others, having fun on the track and the crowd expressing their support with cheers, host Marianas Racing Association declared the event a success.

“Everything was perfect and everything went good…just the way it should be,” said MRA president Eric Cruz shortly after the final race of the day. “As for the competition, it was a lot tougher and that’s what happens every year. It just gets tougher and tougher for all the competitors.”

Cruz added that the event also showcased the improvement of local riders, who continue to enhance their skills, especially while competing with professional riders from Asia and around the globe.

“There’s a lot of improvement because of the expectations of the riders from New Zealand, Japan, Philippines, Guam, and our riders so it is very competitive,” he said. “Our riders are working harder and harder to catch up on the pace of the international riding skills.”

Cruz also stressed that he expects next year’s MX Championships to double up intensity-wise as MRA will work hard on attracting more riders.

“Next year is going to be double of what we saw over the weekend,” he said. [Yesterday] was packed out and of course next year there’ll be more challenges and more riders.”

It was almost 5pm when the checkered flag was last waived at the finish line, with the competition capped off by Heat No. 2 of the 125cc expert. The heat was won by Robinson, who ended the day on the high note by passing Saipan’s Alvarez in lap two and holding on.

Robinson had earlier experienced a crucial blow in his bid in the second heat of the 225cc Expert class. Already with the lead, Robinson landed on the dirt after crashing his bike. The Kiwi got back up, but suffered another blow when his machine failed to start. After several attempts to restart his engine, Robinson finally got going, but not after falling far behind, and giving the Philippines’ No. 1 rider Jovy Saulog the lead and the win.

Official results were not available as of press time as MRA officials were busy tabulating scores from all heats of all races to determine the overall winner of each category. Official results will be announced during an awards banquet this evening at 6pm at the Hafa Adai Beach Hotel.