2004 MX Championship this weekend

All roads lead to the Cowtown Raceway Park in Marpi this weekend as the Marianas Racing Association holds its 2004 Miller Lite MX Championship.

Aside from local riders, the Saturday and Sunday event will also see an international contingent composed of motocross stars from the Philippines, Japan, Argentina, and Guam.

“Saipan will once again witness the daring and gutsy conglomerate of motocross riders from Guam, Japan, Philippines, Argentina, as well as riders from Saipan and Tinian, who will entertain and thrill Saipan’s motocross enthusiasts. The thundering sounds of the two- and four-stroke machines will rattle the ground at Cowtown Raceway this next two days,” said a news release from the MRA.

Competition in the Mini ATV/Mini 50/Modified 50, Mid Range ATV, Big Boys ATV-Novice, Super Minis-Novice/Expert, Power Puff, Veterans, Fast & Furious-Novice/Expert, 125cc-Novice/Expert, and 250cc Open will be at stake in the MX Championship.

Ellery Cruz, winner of the recently held Guam Cup in Guam, Floyd Dela Cruz, Dave Celis, Christian Camacho, and Vince Tudela are just some of the talented local riders who will take part in the event.

Unfortunately, top riders Cuki Alvarez and Vince Tudela will be sitting out this weekend’s motocross because of injuries sustained in recent riding competitions.

Guam, meanwhile, would be spearheaded by the likes of Bob Bucek, Shane Morrison, Frank Rios, Greg Reese, Jr., and Brittany Angoco.

Like in previous years, the Philippines will be bannered by a strong contingent led by four-time Saipan motocross competitor Jing Leongson, the cousin of Philippine motocross legend Ernie.

Shell Advance team member Popeye Ruby and Philippine movie and television actor Eric Fructoso will accompany Leongson this year.

Japan is expected to send four to five riders from its professional circuit, while MRA is waiting for one hombre from Argentina.

MRA is inviting race fans to come on down to Cowtown and witness one of the most exciting races of the year. Admission is free with plenty of parking. Food and beverages will be sold onsite. Race starts at 10am today.

The championship banquet will be held on Sunday at Cowtown Raceway Park instead of Paupau Beach immediately after the conclusion of the final race.

Pacific Trading Co., main distributor of Miller Lite and Pepsi products on the islands, is the main sponsor of the event. The two-day race is also being supported by Triple J Motors, Ericco/Maeda, Shell Marianas, Verizon, Joeten/Yamaha and Power99/The Rock.