By Roselyn B. Monroyo
Variety News Staff

DOWN to the wire races and heart-stopping stunts returned at the Cowtown Raceway Park in Marpi last Sunday with 24 riders joining the first April point race of the Marianas Racing Association.
The last time MRA held races at Cowtown was in February. Last month, it failed to hold a monthly point race as the association took part in a series of exhibition races on Rota.
Back in his home turf, Walter Sablan ruled the Mini ATV class beating Sabo Ada.
Also topping their respective races were Emelsha Cepeda in the Mini 50 cc, Kijay Ada in the modified and Nathan Quitano in the 80-85 novice class.
In the PW 80 class, Patty Cepeda outraced Manny Sablan, while Edinna Cepeda beat Lorenzo Sablan in the 60-65 class.
Four riders were entered in the 80-85 expert class with Aaron Pangelinan topping the race. He placed first in Heat 1 and finished second in Heat 2.
Manny Flores ruled Heat 2, but he did not race in Heat 1 and was relegated to fourth place. In second spot was Franklin Santos, followed by Chris Chris Alepuyo.
Shane Alvarez beat two other riders in the 125-250f novice class after she won Heat 2 and placed second in Heat 1. Joey Togawa finished second, while DJ Camacho came in third place.
Five riders battled in the 125-250f expert class with Ellery Cruz leading the way topping Heats 1 and 2. Glen Pangelinan placed second, followed by Dave Celis, Meagan Cruz and Jack Dela Cruz.
In the 125-250f veterans class, Steve Sablan outraced Melvin Cepeda and Frankie Ada.
After last Sunday’s race, MRA will hold another one on April 29 to make up for the March point race.
MRA is holding monthly races to determine the top rider in each division at the end of the year. The rider with the most points at the end of the season will be awarded the No. 1 plate.
Meanwhile, MRA welcomed back its three riders who participated in the 25th Guam Smokin’ Wheels Extravaganza at the Calvo Memorial Raceway Park in Yigo last week.
Alepuyo joined the ATV races on Guam, while Melvin Cepeda and Ellery Cruz teamed up in the enduro races.