Saulog steals show in MX Championships

A new champion was crowned in the 2005 Saipan MX Championships as top-ranked Philippines rider Jovie Saulog stole the show en route to taking home two titles and a runner-up finish.

Entering the two-day competition at the Cowtown Raceway Park as one of the favorites, Saulog lived up to all the hype and expectations and took his rough-riding machine to the extreme to bag top honors in the 250cc Expert and Veteran Class.

Finishing in second in the 250cc Expert was New Zealand’s James “Robo” Robinson, while 2004 champion Popeye Rubi had a rough time on the track and settled for third place.

Saipan’s Steve Sablan also put up a phenomenal charge and finished second to Saulog in the Veteran Class, while Japan’s Salukawa Masaaki maneuvered well enough for third place.

Not all was lost for Robinson, who won three of the four heats in the 125cc Expert category to take top honors. The only one that stood in the way of the Kiwi completing a sweep in the category was a crash midway through the fourth heat, which enabled Saulog to cruise ahead and win. Saulog finished in second place overall, while local motocross legend Cuci Alvarez represented well and took home third place.

Meanwhile, Guam’s Justin Deleon Guerrero topped the 250cc Novice, followed by Philippine matinee idols Christopher Peralta and Jordan Herrera.

For his part, Matsuda Ryu of Japan rode with the speed of lighting and edged Saipan’s Glenn Pangelinan for the 125cc Novice title. Japan’s Morioka Shintaro also had a notable weekend on the track and placed third.

Fellow Japanese Shinohara Kana was also a force to be reckoned with as she wowed spectators with thrilling jumps before capturing the Power Puff title. Guam’s Jaime Plagman and Shade Pitter finished in second and third place, both proving they have what it takes to go to the extreme.

Kyle Quinata of Guam also had a fair share of the spotlight as he fought off a determined Shane Alvarez to win the Fast and Furious 80-85cc Expert Class. The two battled it out in each of the four heats and were followed by Paul Angoco of Guam.

The Fast and Furious novice title went to Saipan Henry Camacho Jr., while local riders Manny Flores and D.J. Camacho settled for second and third.

Patty Cepeda and Edinna Cepeda also punched in notable performances, with Patty topping the Pee Wee 50 and Edinna the Pee Wee 80.

James Cepeda and Devin Noisom finished one and two in the 50 Moderate, while Guam’s Kyle Cruz and local boy Aaron Pangelinan placed first and second in the SM I Expert. Jacob Jones and Jared Sablan also fared well and took home first and second place in the SM I Novice.

The high-flying bikes were not the only attraction at Cowtown as ATV riders also showcased their skills on the track.

Guam’s Bob Santos made his trip to Saipan worthwhile as he conquered the Big Boy ATV Expert, while Saipan’s Christian Camacho and fellow Guamanian Robert Pitter placed in the top three.

Saipan’s Ton Alepuyo was just as dominant and was the best finisher in the Big Boy ATV Novice category, while Guam’s Donovan Pitter and Jesse Celis of Saipan placed second and third.

Also deserving much recognition was C.J. Camacho and Britney Camacho, with C.J. topping the ATV Mid Range and Britney shining in the ATV Mini.

All winners were presented with trophies and prizes during an awards banquet held last night at the Fiesta Hall of the Hafa Adai Beach Hotel.