Maribel Igitol poses for a photo with the other Mamas Class participants of the 2023 Marianas Racing Association Monster Energy Points Race Series during the awards ceremony Saturday at the Saipan World Resort Taga Hall.
Anella Igitol displays the first-place trophy as she poses for a photo with the other Mini ATV Class participants of the 2023 Marianas Racing Association Monster Energy Points Race Series during the awards ceremony Saturday at the Saipan World Resort Taga Hall.
MARIBEL and daughter Anella Igitol topped their respective classes in the 2023 Marianas Racing Association Monster Energy Points Race Series and were awarded the coveted “red plate” on Saturday at the Saipan World Resort Taga Hall.
Maribel missed one of the seven races but still garnered 300 points. “Winning the Mamas Class feels surreal but very rewarding,” she said. “I’ve been racing for three years now, and it’s my first time to reach the podium.”
She said the competition was tough. “The Mamas came to race and always put on their game face. Merissa Rasa is a fierce competitor! She always got the holeshot, and I had to always find a way around her to get the lead,” Maribel said.
But the toughest obstacle she faced this season was herself and that, even after three years of racing, she still got nervous at the starting gate. “I always had to find ways to psych myself up before heading out on that track. I just had to prepare myself mentally before each race,” she said. “I am very much satisfied with my performance this year, but I know I’m going to have to kick it up a notch. The other Mamas are very determined! It’s going to be fun!”
Maribel thanked MRA for bringing motocross back to Saipan. “I’d also like the thank Byron Castro for being our number 1 support for myself and our daughter Anella,” she added
This season was the first time MRA included the Mamas Class, for which Maribel is deeply grateful.
“When I first heard that they were opening a separate class just for the Mamas, I got super excited! Having a Mamas Class means more opportunities for all the Mamas to showcase their skills on the track and a chance for us to step on that podium at the end of the season,” she said.
In second place overall was Merissa Rasa with 216 points followed by Marlyn Castro with 120 points, and Mariana Alvarez with 44 points.
Mini ATV Class
Maribel’s daughter Anella reigned supreme in the Mini ATV Class with a total of 219 points.
“It feels good to win the title because I got to be number 1 in the Mini ATV division,” Anella said. “The competition this season was challenging because it was hard to beat them. But, yes, I am satisfied [with my performance]. I knew that I would be able to do better with a new quad,” she added.
Anella’s toughest challenge of the season was her quad breaking down during the races. “My parents had to get a new one so I could finish my season.”
The young rider thanked her mom, dad Byron, and brother BJ for everything, and for supporting her throughout her races. “I would also like to thank MRA for giving us this opportunity to be able to experience being a racer on the track,” Anella said.
In second place was Kimason Cabrera with 90 points followed by Franchesca Yumul with 67 points, Kassidy Camacho with 50 points, and Keoni Rosario with 44 points.
