{"id":425630,"date":"2024-11-29T14:00:00","date_gmt":"2024-11-29T14:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.saipantribune.com\/?p=425630"},"modified":"-0001-11-30T00:00:00","modified_gmt":"-0001-11-29T14:00:00","slug":"MRA-2024-Turkey-Cross-this-weekend","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.saipantribune.com\/index.php\/MRA-2024-Turkey-Cross-this-weekend\/","title":{"rendered":"MRA 2024 Turkey Cross this weekend"},"content":{"rendered":"

After feasting on turkey, ham, and the works for Thanksgiving, feast your senses at the annual Marianas Racing Association Turkey Cross Motocross Race 2024 this weekend at the Cowtown Raceway Park.<\/p>\n

CNMI racers are revving up to defend their title against over 30 Guam racers this Saturday and Sunday in Marpi.<\/p>\n

The heart-pounding, dust-churning, and high-flying action is set to start at 10am on both days and will feature 16 categories: Pewee ATV, Pewee I, Pewee II, Mini I, Mini ATV, Big Boys ATV Novice, Power Puff Girls, Women\u2019s, Big Boys ATV, Mini II, Veteran\u2019s ATV, Veteran\u2019s, Novice, Intermediate, Open Expert, and Legends.<\/p>\n

MRA president Ellery Cruz said that this year, the event is set to be bigger and better.<\/p>\n

\u201cWith two intense heats on Saturday and one final heat on Sunday, you won\u2019t want to miss a single minute of the high-speed action! Saturday\u2019s races will wrap up around 5pm, while Sunday\u2019s thrilling finale concludes around 2pm.\u201d He then said there\u2019s a banquet and awards ceremony after to celebrate the weekend\u2019s champions and the spirit of motocross.<\/p>\n

With that, he said, \u201cBring the whole family out and get ready to cheer your heart out! Pack your tents, tables, chairs, BBQ pits, coolers, and loads of excitement for a full weekend of exhilarating races, all set against the breathtaking backdrop of the racetrack and the ocean in Marpi. Best part? Entry is free, but be sure to arrive early to secure your prime spot for an unforgettable view. \u201c<\/p>\n

He added, \u201cSaipan is ready to defend its title as the Expert champion for the past two years, so let\u2019s make sure everyone enjoys the race in safety. Please respect the track and barriers to keep the event fun and secure for all. As a reminder, all public spectators are not allowed on the track without any approval from race track officials, and must refrain from standing on any of the barriers.\u201d<\/p>\n

He then gave a huge thank you to their incredible sponsors for making the event possible: Gov. Arnold Palacios, Lt. Gov. David M. Apatang, Sapan and Northern Islands Legislative Delegation chair Rep. J.P. Sablan (Ind-Saipan), Saipan Mayor Ramon \u201cRB\u201d Camacho, members of the House of Representatives, Marianas Visitors Authority, Department of Finance, Joeten Motors Co., Herman\u2019s Modern Bakery, MarPac, YCO True Value, Monster Energy, and their tireless track maintenance crew from the Department of Public Works led by Mike Borja and the amazing team at the Mayor\u2019s Office. \u201cYour dedication makes this event a reality, and we couldn\u2019t do it without you,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

Meanwhile, former MRA president Charles Cepeda welcomed the 33 Guam riders competing this weekend.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe are thrilled to have such competitive races at our very own Cowtown Raceway Park. The excitement of motocross is truly alive in the Mariana Islands, and the fact that racers from Guam have made the effort to come to Saipan to ride on our track is a testament to the strong adrenaline rush that fuels each and every racer participating in this weekend\u2019s races.\u201d<\/p>\n

He said a tough weekend awaits the Guam motocross enthusiasts and the 23 home-grown riders in the 2024 edition of the Turkey Cross.<\/p>\n

\u201cRacing three heats in just two days is no small feat, requiring immense commitment and preparation. We are grateful to the officers who worked tirelessly to make this event possible, as well as the MRA board, including president Ellery Cruz, vice president Paul Guerrero, Amanda Cruz, and all the board members. Special thanks to Jeff Rios, Bob Bucek, Tim Wenden, and the Guam officers for their hard work in bringing 33 racers and their families to Saipan. A big shoutout to this weekend\u2019s track masters, Mr. David Burger and Mr. Dennis Quinones, for ensuring the safety of everyone on and off the track.\u201d<\/p>\n

Cepeda then invited the community to partake of the inter-island motocross extravaganza up north this Saturday and Sunday.<\/p>\n

\u201cJoin us at Cowtown this Thanksgiving weekend for high-speed dirt track races on Saturday and Sunday. Bring your family, chairs, tents, coolers, barbecue, and everything you need to enjoy the thrilling scenery at Cowtown Raceway Park. See you there!\u201d<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Riders in the 2022 MRA Turkey Cross turn a corner in the course at the Cowtown Raceway Park in Marpi.<\/p>\n

-LAO ZHANG
<\/figcaption><\/figure>

<\/p>\n

Riders in the 2022 MRA Turkey Cross leap over the bumps at the Cowtown Raceway Park in Marpi.<\/p>\n

-LAO ZHANG
<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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