By Roselyn B. Monroyo
Variety News Staff

The 2007 Marianas Motocross Championships will be held on July 7 and 8 with riders from Japan, the Philippines, Guam and New Zealand expected to put on a great show at the Cowtown Raceway Park in Marpi.
Marianas Racing Association president Eric Cruz said Kiwi riders will hold exhibition races, while Japan, Philippine and Guam bets will be tested anew against NMI riders.
“It will be another exciting motocross as professional riders visit the island anew to show their skills. It will be a full force motocross race so we are inviting the public to watch the championship in July,” Cruz said.
Cruz added that the Philippines is likely to send three professional riders to the tournament, while Guam will have more than 20. Japan has yet to inform MRA about how many riders it will be sending to the annual tournament.
In last year’s championships, Guam’s Shane Morrison topped the 125/250cc expert class
The NMI’s Floyd Cruz and Guam’s Brian Gumataotao placed second and third, respectively, while Glen Pangelinan finished fourth and Ellery Cruz was ranked fifth.
Japan’s Shintaro Morioka beat Jonathan Lizama for the 125/250cc novice title, while Guam’s Willie Pangelinan placed third.
Otsuka Takazu, also of Japan won the 250/450cc novice division, downing Morrison and the Philippines’ Chris Peralta.
The NMI’s Melvin Cepeda outraced Rep. Ray Yumul for the 250/450cc veteran class while Kiki Ada finished third.
Henry Camacho topped the Big Boys ATV expert division beating Christopher Alepuyo.
Britney Camacho ruled the Mini ATV class defeating Dominic Yumul and Manny Sablan. Xychary Torres dominated the mini 50cc division downing Patty Cepeda and Kijay Ada.
Meanwhile, MRA will be participating in this year’s Taste of the Marianas.
Cruz said that in the four Saturdays of this month, MRA will be helping PTC sell its products during the festivities at American Memorial Park.
PTC will then donate a certain amount from the sales of its products to MRA.
“We are very thankful to PTC for their contributions. Their donation will go a long way in the development of motor racing in the CNMI,” Cruz said.