Cuki confident of MRA’s chances in Smokin’ Wheels

Marianas Racing Association riders and their families pose with Gov. Arnold I. Palacios as they await their flight to Guam at the Francisco C. Ada/Saipan International Airport last Wednesday. (CONTRIBUTED PHOTO)

The Marianas Racing Association hopes to build on their success in last year’s Turkey Cross when they compete in the 40th Smokin’ Wheels set to start today, April 21, until Sunday, April 23, at the Guam International Raceway.
  
MRA vice president Cuki Alvarez likes Saipan riders’ chances in the three-day race against competitors from host Guam, the Philippines, Japan, and even the mainland U.S.

“We have chances to bring home the gold in all divisions. However, Guam has been training just as hard if not harder to represent home court, so we are super stoked and looking forward to the challenge in this awesome goodwill competition!” said the patriarch of Trench Tech Racing.

Alvarez will see action in the Enduro Class along with his son, Shane Alvarez, and other Saipan riders Dave Celis, Melvin Cepeda, Corry Pangelinan, Aric Cruz, Ellery Cruz, and Christian Camacho.

“The Saipan team is very excited and have waited many years to race back on Guam! Team Saipan did great in last November’s Turkey Cross and have been keeping busy racing in January, February, and March. So we are as prepared as we can be going into this weekend’s race. On Saturday, we will be racing the infield track aka ‘Supercross’ and on Sunday, it will be the infield course combined with the buggy course, which goes all the way back into the hills for the two-hour endurance race. Saturday’s races will be an individual race, where racers compete for top placings and Sunday will be a team format and racers can have a partner for the two-hour race. This will be a test of men and their machines and the team who completes the most laps in two hours wins,” he said.

A total of 28 MRA riders will compete in Guam and they are the following, with their classes in parenthesis: Henry Camacho Sr. (ATV Open); Byron Castro (Novice); Nanako Celis (School Girl); Charles Cepeda (Veterans and Legends); Matthew Guerrero (School Boy); Anella Igitol (Mini ATV); Maribel Igitol (Women Sr.); Billie Inabo Pangelinan (Women Jr.); Marissa Rasa (Women Sr.); Ponce Rasa (Novice); Frankie Sablan (School Boy); Julian Salalila (Veterans); Jonoah Santos (65cc); Joseph Santos (Intermediate); Keenon Togawa (Mini ATV); Patrick Togawa (Expert Open); Nakoa Torres (Mini ATV 50cc); Ethan Yumul (School Boy); Francesca Yumul (Mini ATZ 90cc); and Ray Yumul (Veterans).

In addition to motorbikes and ATVs, MRA also entered the drag race competition with two entries this year. 

Ray Yumul, who is the secretary of Public Works, expects to experience a higher level of racing again and to have fun competing in Guam.

“I hope the CNMI can embrace off-road and motocross racing as another sport and recreational activity. Perhaps we may be able to attract off-island racers to come.”

Corry Pangelinan, meanwhile, admitted he’s a bit nervous, considering this weekend’s event is his first ever off-island motocross. 

“I hope that I can adapt to the new track fast because we won’t have much time to practice. I believe we have two days then we will be racing. My sister and I will do our best to represent the CNMI and our team, Errico Racing.”

His sister, Billie, just hopes to have a solid performance in Guam, podium finish or not.

“I don’t have much expectations for when I race in Guam, although I really hope I’m able to have a great performance. I will be putting in some time to practice and prepare for race day and will also try my very best to adapt to a new track. This will be my first time going off-island for an international race, and also trying out a new track. I’ll have to quickly adapt to the new surroundings.