HELLO and Hafadai to all motorsports enthusiasts, especially to racers. I am a former motocross racer of Saipan. Actually if Saipan’s motorsports never died, I still will be. Back in 1984, the CNMI had the Saipan Offroad Racing teams (Team Suzuki and Privateer Teams), and the drag racing (Marianas Auto Sports Association or MASA) teams.
Some like my buddy Kuki Alvarez are still racing but off-island only. So for almost two decades, the CNMI never had a race track nor a practice track. Remember the people’s park and the civic center sand track?
There are no motorsports actions at all. In the past, we had lots of great race drivers and riders on our island, but without a race track, there was no way they could continue to visit us. I’m sure that there are many people out there who are die-hard race fans. The Offroad Racing Association of Marianas conducted a survey and solicited signatures for a petition to ask the government to designate a public land for races. Thousands of people have signed up. Meanwhile, even with a temporary track, we did have off-island pro-racers participating in race events. The only auto competition we could do was for mudbog which turned out excellent.
Just look at our new off-road racers who are mostly kids and teen-agers. They are unbelievable. It only took them few months to get all the skills and became champs. I am so proud of them.
Last Aug. 3 and 4, Guam opened its new race way park in Yigo. The former race way park in Apra Heights was returned to the Calvo family which donated the land for more than 20 years to the Guam Racing Federation until 1996. Guam did stop racing, but after five years they have a track again. Me and my friends had to go. We witnessed their grand opening ceremony. The race way park was built on a huge piece of public land given by the government of Guam. The race tracks are off-road, supercross, motocross, cart, road track and drag 1/4M strip. The offroad track was designed by the legendary Ivan “Ironman” Stewart and Henry “Animal” Simpson of Guam. The governor, lt. governor, and other GovGuam officials said the development will help the economy and reduce the number of illegal street racing events which have caused so many fatalities.
The Saipan team was incredible. The Peewees, 50cc, 80cc, 125cc, and mini rail driven by our legend, Ray Alvarez. Also in the ATV too. Japan came with 250cc, ATV, three 1600cc rails and an Isuzu Geolander stock base race SUV. The Philippines had a 250cc and 400cc four stroke ridden by two actors. The U.S. protruck racing association had V-8 screaming and flying trucks (nine of them) and they will be there again at least twice a year from now on! This April, they are having a big event. The ORAM team is scheduled to race along with other teams from other countries.
We need a similar race way park. Saipan and Guam could compete and share motorsport events like in the past. To have a race track for offroad and drag racing is a priority. I’ve seen many youths doing illegal drag racing. They even do it on Beach Road which is extremely dangerous. If this could come through, imagine how our economy will get a boost. One international event will do. We should do something about this issue.
KAZUNORI IKEDA
Gualo Rai, Saipan
