By Roselyn B. Monroyo
Variety News Staff

NEW Zealand professional motocross champion James “Robo” Robinson has confirmed his participation in the 2007 Marianas Motocross Championships in July at the Cowtown Raceway Park in Marpi.
Robinson was the 2005 champion of the FIM Asia Pacific Supercross Championships on Guam and has been racing in various motocross tournaments in Asia Pacific.
The Palmerston North, Manawatu-born Robinson is based in Kuala Lumpur Malaysia and the lead rider of TEAM KTM Malaysia. He participated in the Marianas Motocross Championships in 2005.
This year’s Marianas championships will be held on July 7 and 8 with riders from Japan, Guam and the Philippines joining Robinson in exhibition and regular races.
Marianas Racing Association president Eric Cruz said three riders from Japan have already confirmed their participation in the two-day meet. One Japanese rider will compete in the 85cc expert class, while the two others will be joining the 125cc expert races.
MRA is still waiting to hear from entries from the Philippines and Guam.
The visitors will challenge local riders in amateur races with last year’s racers hoping to defend their titles.
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 finished second and third, respectively, while Glen Pangelinan placed 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 have two new riders in the mini class when it holds its May point race on May 27.
The new riders are Carlon Aguon in the Mini PW50 and Jun Aguon in the Mini Modified class.
MRA is also reminding the public that the Cowtown Raceway Park will be closed after the May point race in preparation for the Marianas championships.
MRA secretary Eleanor Cepeda said the raceway park will undergo minor repairs and recapping.
The Cowtown Raceway Park will be reopened on June 9, a day before MRA holds its June point race.