By Roselyn B. Monroyo
Variety News Staff

NINE riders started the Marianas Racing Association season on a winning note after topping their respective divisions in MRA’s first point race last Sunday at the Cowtown Raceway Park in Marpi.
Leading the list was Chris Alepuyo, who ruled the B/B ATV expert class winning both heats 1 and 2 to earn 50 points after last Sunday’s race.
He beat Ton-Ton Alepuyo, who was tied with Henry Camacho, Sr. with 42 points after two heats, but won the tiebreak.
Joining Chris in the winners’ circle were Manuel Celis, Edinna and Patty Cepeda, Manny Flores, Janece Salas, Shane Alvarez and Ellery Cruz.
Celis and Britney Camacho were the lone entries in the B/B/ ATV novice class and Mini ATV, respectively.
Edinna Cepeda outraced Kijay Ada and Lorenzo Sablan in the PW/80 class placing first both in heat 1 and 2 and getting a total of 50 points.
Ada placed second in both races and collected 44 points, while Sablan was ranked third with 20 points, as he did not compete in Heat 2.
Patty Cepeda ruled the PW/50 class with her 50 points beating Manny Sablan, who failed to race in the second heat.
Manny Flores outraced Franklin Santos and Aaron Pangelinan in the 80/85 expert class, while Salas was the lone entry in the powerpuff class.
Six riders competed in the 125 novice class with Alvarez winning the event finishing first in heats 1 and 2.
In second place was Henry Camacho (42 points), followed by DJ Camacho (40), Joey Togawa (36), Josh Camacho (32) and Kiku Togawa (30).
Ellery Cruz beat three other riders in the 125 expert class and got 50 points. Placing second was Glen Pangelinan (44 points), Jack Dela Cruz (40) and Melvin Cepeda (40).
Meanwhile, MRA thanked Pacific Trading, Joeton Yamaha, Triple J Motors, Ericco-Maida, Curtis Danco, the Department of Community and Cultural Affairs, Department of Public Lands, Division of Parks and Recreation and the Department of Public Safety for supporting their kick off race.
MRA will be holding its second point race on Feb. 18, while the third race will take place on March 11.