‘Motocross is definitely back in the Marianas’

Marianas Racing Association president Charles Cepeda receives a token that reads “gratitude” in Chamorro from Guam Motorcycle and ATV Club president Jeff Rios shortly before the latter flew back to Guam. (CONTRIBUTED PHOTO)

Christmas came early for members of the Marianas Racing Association after the CNMI’s motocross community hosted the Guam Motorcycle and ATV Club in the Turkey Cross Race held last Nov. 26 and 27 at the Cowtown Race Track.

MRA president Charles Cepeda was as giddy as a kid on Christmas morning when he talked about the renewal of the CNMI vs. Guam rivalry in the sport

“Motocross is definitely back in the Marianas. The riders in the Turkey Cross Race are testament that it will continue into the far future and will have some great motocross legends from the Marianas. It is the first race since 2006 or 2007 that featured riders from both islands. Riders from both islands were feeling each other out, Saipan riders had advantage with their home track at Cowtown Raceway Park, while Guam riders had one and a half days of practice on the track. I say both have very talented riders that will eventually be friendly rivalries as both islands continue to grow in motocross,” he said.
Cepeda said MRA was extremely happy with the number of riders from Guam that flew north and participated in the annual Turkey Cross. They were also equally stoked on how the local motocross community welcomed the guests.

Former Marianas Racing Association president Steve Sablan in action during the Turkey Cross Race held last Nov. 26 and 27 at the Cowtown Race Track. (CONTRIBUTED PHOTO)

“Around 36 racers from age 4 to 66 years old came from Guam. There were fans who came on Friday during practice and even more on Saturday all day. On Sunday we had a great crowd that were treated to an adrenaline-filled race between Guam and CNMI.”  

As far as the competition went, Cepeda couldn’t ask for more as both the CNMI and Guam battled tooth and nail to win races.

“The races were amazing as almost every class had a good battle that included Guam vs. CNMI. Some had all CNMI racers, some had majority Guam racers, but the competition was just as exciting. Two days of racing gave the riders a chance to gauge the competition and adjust for the next day. There were strategies shared and strategies concealed for the second heat on Sunday.” 

Aside from seeing old rivals like Kim Aiken back on the saddle, Cepeda also was happy to see former MRA president Steve Sablan back in his element on the track.

“He became president when Cuki [Alvarez] started the push to get motocross back on the island in 2019 right before the pandemic started. Steve also got the Cowtown land transferred to MRA.”

For his part, Guam Motorcycle and ATV Club Jeff Rios lauded MRA for hosting them in the Turkey Cross Race.

“Motocross is an individual sport, but making a momentous event like this takes a team of people and sponsors who are not concerned about finishing first but about completing the race.  It takes a lot of door-knocking, patiently waiting for email replies, and persistence. All this work paid off with the fun and excitement the kids had this past weekend. Not to mention the life-long memories the event brought,” he said.

Rios and his club are hopeful that Smokin Wheels 23 becomes a reality so they in turn can invite MRA riders to Guam. 

“At this time we do not have a formal lease in place at Guam Raceway Park, but I have a lot of faith in our lawmakers that know that there is a need for a safe environment for all motorsports. Once that happens, rest assured Marianas Racing Association is invited to our 40th celebration of Smokin Wheels.”