Pikaboo nips Cuki in Expert Class

Shane “Pikaboo” Alvarez, seen here in a file photo, won the Expert Class of the June 2023 Monster Energy Point Series Race last Sunday at the Cowtown Race Track.(LAO ZHANG)

Shane “Pikaboo” Alvarez surprised family patriarch Justis “Cuki” Alvarez in the last heat to win the Expert Class of the June 2023 Monster Energy Point Series Race last Sunday at the Cowtown Race Track.

The younger Alvarez, who was involved in a minor accident more than a year ago, finished second to Cuki in the first heat, but came back with the vengeance in the more important second race of the day to take the win. 

Both father and son finished with 47 points, but as per Marianas Racing Association rules the winner of the second heat gets the victory lap in case of a tie. Ellery Cruz completed the Top 3 with 38 points.
Shane, aboard his trusty 2023 KX250f, said racing against his father always ensures a tough but fun race.

“The first heat was pretty grueling as I didn’t ride for two months and I had to work my way up from fifth off the start. Got up to second by the third and fourth lap then my arms burned out half way and I almost got passed by Dave Celis who was in third place but I was able to hold him off. I felt warmed up and I fueled well for the second heat which did me good.” 

Shane said he and Ellery Cruz were actually “tire to tire” in the first turn off the start, but luckily he had the inside line and was able to secure the holeshot. 

“From there I tried my best to pull away from the pack and use the dusty condition to try and blast a dust cloud on every turn that may slow down the rest of the group. I knew my dad was going to catch up and when he does he really pressures you to make mistakes. Luckily I was hitting my lines and was able to hold him at a steady distance of about three seconds and after the 10th lap he started to give up on trying to catch me,” he added.

Despite the win, he admitted that his father is still the king of the road in the Expert Class.

“Getting first on the second heat got me the overall but we are still tied on points for the day and he’s still leading by a solid 18 points for the season. I’m gonna try my best as always but my dad is still the man even at 52 [years old] and I can only beat him on a really good day.”

As for the track, he said MRA groomed the jumps “so they were smooth although the track was pretty rocky. It was also really dusty which is good for the person in front and bad for everyone else.”

He went on to thank his sponsors Trench Tech Racing, Cycles Plus Guam, and the whole MRA board “for another fun race in the books.”

In the Intermediate Class, Corry Pangelinan had another perfect race by winning both heats for 50 points. Aric Cruz and Ethan Yumul finished second and third with 44 points and 38 points, respectively. 

Maribel Igitol, meanwhile, topped a two-woman race in the Mama’s Class with 50 points followed by Merissa Rasa’s 44 points.

Results of the other classes in the June 2023 Monster Energy Point Series Race will be published in the next issues of Saipan Tribune.