Two in a row for Celis in Veterans Class

Dave Celis leads the Veteran Class of the 2023 Monster Energy Point Series Race last Sunday at the Cowtown Race Track. (LAO ZHANG)

Dave Celis again took the checkered flag in the Veteran Class of the 2023 Monster Energy Point Series Race last Sunday at the Cowtown Race Track.

The 45-year-old edged Expert Class winner Justis “Cuki” Alvarez in the Marianas Racing Association February race with a perfect score of 50 points to follow up his victory in the January edition of the competition. 

Alvarez finished second in the six-lap race with 44 points, followed by Melvin Cepeda’s 40 points. Charles Cepeda (36 points), Bob Ferrer (31 points), and Ray Yumul (31 points) complete the lineup for the Veterans Class in the February race.

“I rode it smart and safe again. It’s dry and hot [on the track], but it’s all part of motocross so no excuses,” said Celis, who did acknowledge that Alvarez is the true GOAT of motocross on the island.

“We battled all race long. He just shadowed from start to finish and I just managed to fend him off with the right moves and riding technique at the end,” he added.

Celis said if not for Alvarez taking him under his wing, he wouldn’t be half the motocross rider he is today.

“I owe a lot of my success in the sport of motocross to him because we train together and belong to the same racing team—Trench Tech Racing.”

Celis also thanked all the motocross riders who continue to pursue the hobby despite the tough economic times.

“It’s really hard to continue to do motocross because of the rise in gas prices and other commodities,” he said, adding that it’s more difficult for families like theirs who have not one but several riders in the family.

He dedicated his February win in the Veterans Class to his family, especially his wife, Shoko; his Trench Tech Racing family; and Joeten Motors Co./Yamaha. 

“My wife has always been super supportive of me and our two daughters who also ride. I also want to thank Boss Alvarez (Joeten Motors Sales manager) for giving me a great deal on my new 2022 Yamaha YZ250F. I also want to thank Pacific Trading Co. and Charles Cepeda (MRA president and PTC general manager) for all their help in making the points series possible,” he said.

Celis, who is a board member of MRA, also thanked the Saipan Mayor’s Office and the Department of Public Works for always helping them make the course ready for their monthly races.