By Moneth G. Deposa
Variety News Staff

A CAR rally, the first to be held on the island, will take center stage this month as Beach Road Magazine, a monthly lifestyle and entertainment publication, will spearhead the event on May 26.
Susan Marchitti, the magazine’s account manager, said that 60 participants will be providing the entertainment at the competition which will give away cash and gift items to winners.
A popular motoring event in the U.S. and Europe, a car rally is not a speed contest but a cross between a scavenger hunt and an IQ test behind the wheel that is guaranteed to take driving skills to the next level.
“We’re happy to announce that we’re launching a car rally on Saipan that will surely bring fun and enjoyment to participants,” Marchitti told Variety, adding that the prizes at stake range from $200 for first place; $100 for second; to $75 for third place.
The car rally is to be a competitive driving event in which drivers must successfully complete a given course by following a set of instructions.
“The starting point will be in the parking area of Price Costco and will continue down to the Micro Beach area. The event will start at 10 am, but we will require participants to be there an hour ahead of schedule,” she said, adding that winners will be announced during the Taste of Marianas and an award ceremony will be held at the Godfather’s Bar in Garapan the same night.
Beach Road magazine models will also be at the venue to assist and give away free magazines to the public.
“What we need (inside the car) is a driver and a navigator to assist him. They will be given a set of rules upon registration which explains the mechanics of the event,” she said, adding that participants are required to have a license and be at least 21 years of age. To register, a fee of $15 is required.
“We have five checkpoints and in order to get into each checkpoint certain tricks will be applied. We’re not looking for any specific car models, and we welcome any kind as long as it is registered,” she said.
The deadline for applications is on May 21 and interested individuals can pick up the forms at the Beach Road Magazine office located in Gualo Rai, or they can use the application forms in the magazine.
Manchitti, who grew up in California, has experienced a lot of car rallies.
“And I want to bring the fun here to Saipan,” she said.
Sponsors for the event include Shell Marianas, Coca Cola beverage Co. Inc., the Division of Fish and Wildlife’s Brown Tree Snake program, the Department of Public Safety, Godfather’s Bar, Subway, Hafatel, Budget Rent-a-Car, and Boarderline.