Cepeda toasts successful year for MRA

Marianas Racing Association president Charles Cepeda in action during last year’s TurkeyCross Race 2022 at the Cowtown Race Track. (CONTRIBUTED PHOTO)

Marianas Racing Association had a banner year, as far as MRA president Charles Cepeda is concerned.

“The year 2022 for Marianas Racing Association was very successful. I would rate it a 9 on a scale of 1-10. MRA successfully held seven points series races and a grand race participated by our racing family from the Guam Motorcycle and ATV Club. Putting together these races was a huge accomplishment by the MRA board members of 2022,” he said.

Cepeda said the year’s highlight was hands down the TurkeyCross Race.

“I’d say thighlight for MRA was definitely the huge success of the TurkeyCross Race held on the weekend of Thanksgiving with over 30 riders from the GMAC joining the race.”

The MRA president believes this is so because it showed that Saipan riders have steadily improved and are at par with riders from Guam.

“It showed the improvement in riding skills for all MRA members. Not only in the competition level but the riders’ improvements overall. It is highlighted in the number of crashes during the points series in 2022. MRA did not have any major injuries and the number of crashes during the races have decreased to almost none.”

The decrease in crashes came even as MRA welcomed new members and added new divisions such as the Intermediate Class and the Mama’s Class for the TurkeyCross, which was for one weekend only during the TurkeyCross Race.

As far as improvements on the Cowtown Race Track this year, Cepeda said MRA added an additional jump, widened the turns, put in new dirt, and also expanded the pits area.

“We are hoping to expand with a mini track for beginners by the start of the points series in 2023,” he said.

As for the rest of the year, Cepeda said MRA will elect a new board today and he will again run for president. He’s also excited for the 2023 season of the points race and hopefully MRA’s participation in the Guam Smokin’ Wheels Race the weekend after Easter Sunday.

He also hopes to have Guam riders return for the TurkeyCross Race in 2023.

“As president of the MRA board of directors, I am proud that our members continue to improve their riding skills and promote the sport in the community. Thank you to all members who have maintained the commitment to race every month and assist in every way they can. Special thank you goes out for the hospitality given to the Guam riders and delegation that came out to race in the TurkeyCross Race,” he said.