Cepeda thrilled with MRA’s ‘amazing performance’

Marianas Racing Association Charles Cepeda, right, celebrates after coming in third in the Legends Class of the 40th APL Smokin’ Wheels held last April 21-23 at the Guam International Raceway. (CONTRIBUTED PHOTO)

Marianas Racing Association gave a good account of themselves in the 40th APL Smokin’ Wheels held last April 21-23 at the Guam International Raceway.  

President Charles Cepeda said on behalf of the MRA board,  “I am absolutely thrilled to congratulate MRA on their amazing performance at the Smokin’ Wheels Race in Guam!” 

He added that the recent off-island achievement speaks volumes about the incredible skill, passion, and dedication of each MRA rider that competed in Guam. 

“It takes a lot of hard work and determination to excel in such a high-stakes competition, but MRA truly pulled out all the stops to come out with the best of each ability. I can only imagine the adrenaline rush each of you must have felt as you pushed your limits and pushed bikes and ATVs to their maximum potential at the Guam Raceway Motocross Track. This is an incredible feat for each of you, and it is an inspiration to all those who love racing and motocross alike.” 

Apart from the actual racing, Cepeda admired MRA riders’ unwavering patience throughout the Smokin’ Wheels journey, from the loading of containers to practice days and times, to the two days of racing, and finally off-loading of the containers back home on Saipan. 

“You have shown an unparalleled level of dedication and understanding and we cannot thank you enough for everyone sticking through the progression. Your cooperation has been absolutely invaluable in making MRA’s participation in Smokin’ Wheels a reality and success. We are even more grateful for your willingness to work alongside each other every step of the way. Your enthusiasm to accomplish what we did is truly infectious, and it only makes us even more excited to showcase all the talent of MRA in the future.” 

The MRA president also thanked Guam Motorcycle and ATV Corp. for inviting them to the 40th Smokin’ Wheels. 

“It is truly a reciprocal of the familia and fellowship as expected from within our Mariana Islands. You have provided an outstanding racing event and added spice for the familia fiesta atmosphere throughout the weekend at the Guam Raceway Park and around Guam. Thank you to Cycle’s Plus for the lunch provided on Saturday. Thank you Lil’ John and GMAC family for the huge fiesta-style spread on Sunday. Thank you, Jeff Rios, for making sure logistically (and everything else) MRA is set. Thank you, all GMAC and Guam Racing Federation officials.  A huge thank you to all GMAC racers for the spirited and competitive racing.

Lastly, Cepeda expressed his support to GMAC in its effort to maintain management of the Guam International Raceway.  

“We wish you all the best of luck on keeping the race track in Yigo as we all enjoyed the various activities that were going on throughout the weekend. It would be a huge mistake and great loss for Guam should the land eviction be upheld. We pray for a successful conclusion for the Guam Racing Federation.”

As far as how they fared, Christian “Hollywood” Camacho had the most impressive performance after teaming up with Guam’s James Lujan to top the ATV Enduro.  

The 38-year-old and Lujan completed 35 grueling laps in 2:04:17.417 to beat the tandems of George Santos and Pierre Banes (2:05:04.598) and Tatsuhiko Hosoda and Bob Bucek (2:04:28.455).

Charles Cepeda came in third in the Legends Class with 38 points, while Billie Pangelinan had runner-up finishes in the Women’s Jr. Class and 150cc Class with 47 points each. Nanako Celis was third in the Women’s Jr. Class with 20 points.

In the ATV Mini Intro 50-70, Nakoa Torres finished third with 30 points, while Melvin Cepeda, Ray Yumul, and Joseph finished second, third, and fourth in the MX Intermediate Class with 44 points for the former and 38 points apiece for the latter two.

The MX Novice Class had Ethan Yumul (26 points), Byron Castro (21 points), and Ponce Rasa (18 points) finish in the Top 13.

The three also came in among the Top 15 in the School Boy/Novice Class with Yumul (24 points), Castro (18 points), and Rasa (15 points).
Shane Alvarez (29 points), Corry Pangelinan (17 points), Patrick Togawa Jr. (15 points), Aric Cruz (9 points), and Ellery Cruz (4 points) also competed in the Open MX Class.

Etan Yumul finished third in the School Boy/Novice Class with 40 points, while Maribel Igitol and Marissa Rasa finished second and third in the MX Women’s Sr. Class with 44 points and 40 points, respectively.

Melvin Cepeda, Ray Yumul, and Charles Cepeda wound up ninth, 11th, and 12th in the MX Vets with 25 points, 20 points, and 18 points, respectively.

Jonoah Santos finished seventh in the 65cc Class with 27 points, while Francesca Yumul and Keenan Togawa wound up fourth and sixth in the Mini ATV Advanced and Senior Class with 36 points and 31 points.