From left: Kesil Camacho, Miyako Celis, Nanako Celis, Hiromi Sasamoto and Billy Pangelinan pose for a photo before competing in the Marianas Racing Association’s “Moto IV” 2024 Points Race Series at Cow Town Raceway Park.
WITH the addition of two riders, the Power Puff Girls Class is back in action in the Marianas Racing Association’s “Moto IV” 2024 Points Race Series, which concluded its fourth round Sunday at Cow Town Raceway Park.
Kesil Camacho, 15, and Hiromi Sasamoto, 14, started competing last month and, thanks to their interest in extreme sports, MRA has enough participants to revive the Power Puff Girls class with a total of three riders, including Miyako Celis.
In round 3 last month, the more experienced Celis showcased a flawless performance as she topped both heats of the Power Puff Girls class to collect 50 points.
As for the beginners, they gave it their all. Camacho managed to outpace Sasamoto in both heats to clinch second place overall and earn 44 points while the latter settled for third with 40 points.
Celis continued her dominance in round 4 on Sunday as she recorded another perfect run, finishing first in both heats for her second 50-point collection.
For their part, Camacho and Sasamoto went mano a mano. Sasamoto gained the edge in heat 1 with a second-place finish while Camacho settled for third place. However, in heat 2, Sasamoto was unable to finish the race, which allowed Camacho to finish overall second with 42 points.
Despite starting nearly halfway through the series, Sasamoto and Camacho are happy to take part in the action.
“To me, I feel like this is a great first year,” Sasamoto said. “Competing with friends for my first season feels great. The ups and downs that we experience as we go through the season will make us better next year,” Sasamoto said. “It is a fun yet humbling experience. This is the type of thing where you have to experience it to understand it.”
Although the young rider’s interest in motocross just started, she said her family “has been doing this for a long time, and me being finally able to join them makes this something special to me.”
Spectator turned competitor
Camacho was inspired to see other girls competing in two wheels, which led to her joining this year’s race series.
“It was honestly seeing other girls ride. I was so inspired, and I wanted to be a part of that. Seeing how badass motocross is and how it can also create a sisterhood and a family with the other riders is just so special,” Camacho said.
She may be one of the newest members of the group with only a month of experience but she has learned so much already.
“Motocross is also the first sport I’ve ever been in and the only one I personally have my heart in as well. It was nerve-racking at first but seeing how helpful, generous and loving the Trench Tech team and the entire MRA family are made me feel so welcomed and loved and I want to continue to work hard to earn my spot to represent everyone well, especially the Trech Tech team and my family, who have been so supportive.”
She added, “It’s been so great to be part of an incredible association and a community of families that values friendship, good and professional competition and gratefulness for each other.”
When asked if she will be sticking around for another season, Camacho said, “Absolutely! I wouldn’t trade this experience and the many more to come for the world! Si Yu’us ma’åsi’ for having me share! I encourage our community to come out to watch our races and hope they will also inspire more newcomers like myself to join the MRA family.”
