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Melshy meshes nicely with motocross
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Posted on May 18 2022
Melshy Cepeda in action in a recent race in the Power Puff Class of the 2022 Monster Energy Point Series Race at the Cowtown Race Track. (CONTRIBUTED PHOTO)
Melshy Cepeda may not have won any races yet in the Power Puff Class in the 2022 Monster Energy Point Series Race, but her passion for motocross is undeniable having been around the sport from a young age.
“I first started riding back in 2007 when I was 5 years old. It was my very first race on Rota on a Yamaha PW50. It was a great experience because I got a chance to race with my sister Edinna Cepeda during that time.”
The 20-year-old CNMI COVID-19 Task Force staff said everything she knows about motocross is because of his father, veteran rider Melvin Cepeda.
“What attracted me to take up motocross was my dad. My dad has been a rider for a long time now. He’s my inspiration and my mentor. I don’t really train often and only when my dad and I have the same days off. My best finish is my dad telling me I did a great job out there.”
Cepeda, who competes onboard a 2020 KLX 140 RL, looks forward to improving and continuing to make her father proud.
“I’m in the Power Puff Class right now. Usually before the race we will do a track walk with all the riders and my dad will give me tips. My future plans are to improve my riding skills and maybe someday I can be flying my bike in the air like my dad. To those who are interested in joining motocross my best advice to you is don’t ever be afraid.”
Marianas Racing Association vice president Justis “Cuki” Alvarez is proud of Cepeda for competing in the sport for so long and striving to become better each time she races.
“Melshy is a pretty good rider! She looks like she has a lot of fun on the bike and has pretty good form too. She likes standing up and she handles the bike well. Her dad Melvin and older sisters all used to race back in the earlier days in the 2000s. Melshy is very consistent and although she’s not the fastest one on the track, she usually always finishes her races without crashing!”
