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Cuki wins in Smokin’ Wheels
Saipan’s Cuki Alvarez, right, poses with Guam’s Larry Limtiaco after winning in the 2016 APL Smokin’ Wheels held in Guam over the weekend.
(Contributed Photo)
Cuki Alvarez had a triumphant return to motocross after winning an event in the 2016 APL Smokin’ Wheels held in Guam over the weekend.
Alvarez teamed up with long-time friend Larry Limtiaco of Guam and they got first place in the 40-and-over veteran class of the Open dirt bike division, besting 24 others in last Sunday’s event at the Guam International Raceway in Yigo. The competition was Alvarez’s first in eight years, as he concentrated in organizing MMA events and training fighters after Cowtown race track closed down several years ago.
“It felt great to be back. It was so last minute, as I got a call from my friend, Larry, asking me to be his partner one week before the event. I did not train or prepare for this race. I just did it for good times,” said Alvarez, who used to join races in Guam, Japan, and the Philippines.
“I did it for fun and wasn’t expecting to win anything but when I realized we had a legitimate chance of winning, I took it a little more serious,” added Alvarez, who received a lot of congratulatory remarks from friends and fellow motocross riders for his successful return to the race track.
When asked if the competition in Guam is just a start of the many races he will be participating in, Alvarez answered with a laugh.
“I had no intention of ever competing again, but after this weekend, I may have reignited my passion again.”
Meanwhile, the 2016 Annual Smoking Wheels featured 11 events with Japan’s Ikuo Hanawa taking the overall win in the centerpiece three-hour offroad endurance race. Other competitions held were the ATV/UTV kart race, proline drift series, mini mid ATV endurance, mud drags, road buggies and trucks endurance, mid open ATV, 85cc mini bike, drag race championship, and MMX motocross. A car show and grilling contest also took place as side events in the annual competition.
