By Roselyn B. Monroyo
Variety News Staff

ABOUT 30 riders from Rota and Tinian participated in a series of races in Sinapalo Village over the weekend adding color and excitement to the celebration of the San Isidro Fiesta.
According to Marianas Racing Association secretary Eleanor Cepeda, MRA and the Rota Municipal Council held regular and exhibition races last Saturday and Sunday with Saipan and Rota riders wowing the crowd with their stunts and speed.
“The crowd was very appreciative, especially during the Sunday races. There was a festive mood and we are very thankful to the people of Rota for watching the races,” Cepeda said.
Nine regular races, one exhibition and a “celebrity race” were held over the weekend.
The winners were Emelsha Cepeda (PW-50), Patty Cepeda (PW-80), Edinna Cepeda (60-65) and Janiece Salas (powerpuff).
Rota’s pride Nature Boy Atalig won the 80-85 novice class beating William Kani, also of Rota, and Saipan’s Nathan Quitano.
Aaron Pangelinan ruled the 80-85 expert class defeating Chris-Chris Alepuyo and Frank Santos.
Shane Alvarez topped the 125-250 novice class, followed by Hanky and DJ Camacho. Ellery Cruz prevailed in the 125-250 expert class outracing Dave Celis and Meagan Cruz.
Melvin Cepeda placed first in the veterans class outclassing Dave Celis and Jayvee Villoria.
DJ Camacho bounced back winning the Big Boy ATV against Hanky and Alvarez.
There was an exhibition race in the 250 Open division with Ellery Cruz beating Alvarez and Celis.
But the biggest crowd-pleaser was the celebrity race, which featured Rota Municipal Council vice chair Roy Masga, Rota Rep. Chris Ogo, Rota Mayor Joseph S. Inos, MRA president Eric Cruz and 12-year old rider Salas.
Organizers of the celebrity race placed the bikes 10 yards away from the starting line and the five riders had to run to get their bikes and start the race.
“It was really a fun race, as fans and the riders themselves didn’t know what they were up to,” Eleanor said.
At the end of the two-day races, an award ceremony was held. Winners received especially-crafted trophies made from esit wood and were donated by MVA Rota.
There was also raffle drawing with Eric Cruz and his wife, Bonnie, donating a brand new PW-50 bike.
The MRA president also donated $50 and $100 to third and second placers in the raffle. Justin Cruz won the grand prize.
MRA sold tickets for the raffle and raised $947, which was donated to the San Isidro Church.
Eric Cruz handed the cash to Monsignor Antonelli last Sunday.
Meanwhile, MRA thanked the following for their support in last weekend’s race: Kelvin Atalig and family, Antonio and Viola Atalig, Sen. Paterno Hocog, Shawn and Berna Taisacan, Bill Kani, June Hocog, David Santos, Kari Ramos, Joyce Hocog, Joe and Liz Atalig, Alvin Ogo, Henry Camacho, Frank Santos, the staff of Rota Municipal Council and chairman Anthony Joey Quitugua, Mayor Inos;
Rodney Mendiola, Isaac Calvo, Jr., Ray Villagomez of Seabridge and Ambyth, PTC, Rota EMS, Rota DLNR, Rota DPS, Rota CUC, Rota DPW and MRA members, staff and officials.