THIS year’s top riders in their respective classes claimed the coveted “red plate” trophy during the awards ceremony on Saturday at PIC for the Marianas Racing Association’s 2022 Monster Energy Points Race Series.
Taking the spotlight in the Expert Class was Ellery Cruz who clinched the title with a total of 279 points.
Cruz had to battle the likes of well-known riders such as the Alvarez family, MRA President Charles Cepeda and Dave Celis.
Last season, the 36-year-old Cruz could not fully participate as he was overseas most of the time due to his job.
But this season, he was able to fully commit.
“This season was my first full season back and the competition was way more tough,” he said. “All the guys in the Expert Class put pressure and are very skilled. They helped in shaping and sharpening my riding tools. To the boys in the Expert Class, thank you for always putting the pressure on and for putting on a show.”
Cruz said his interest in motocross started in 2001. “My father, Eric Cruz, brought me to Kan Pacific to watch ‘extreme’ Saipan motocross. He asked if I wanted to ride and without hesitation, I said yes!”
From then on, Ellery Cruz said he has worked on his riding skills.
“Winning first place is bittersweet,” he said. “I was not expecting it at all. The majority of my time and effort this season had been on the kids of our race team (Ericco) and my practice time had been very limited. So when I found out I got the red plate, I was like, ‘wow, how?’ ”
He added, “I’ve been focusing this season on my kids and my team, teaching them basic fundamentals so they can all ride better. They’ve all surpassed my expectations and I’m super proud of all of them!”
Cruz would like to thank his sponsors: Ericco Racing Team, Guy Pudney of Marpac (Michelob Ultra and Pokka), Oma Fejeran of Marianas Native, his parents Eric and Bernice Cruz and, most especially, his wife Amanda Cruz for all the support.
Dave Celis, last season’s Expert Class winner, came in second with a score of 254 points followed by Cuki Alvarez in third with 251 points.
This season’s other Expert Class riders were Patrick Togawa, Champi Villacanes, Melvin Cepeda, Shane Alvarez, Charles Cepeda, Alverick Alvarez, Angelito Hernaez and Franklin Santos.
Veterans Class
In the Veterans Class, Champi Villacanes claimed the title with a total of 314 points.
The 41-year-old performed steadily throughout the seven rounds of the season to clinch the red plate trophy.
“The Veterans Class was really quite hard since Boss Cuki and Boss Dave Celis are both tough riders — their stamina is incredible,” Villacanes said.
“Winning the red plate for this season is very satisfying after all the training and practice since January. I actually never expected to win the title…. I’m just trying to enjoy myself in this…sport. Me and my family just made Saturday a practice day and our bonding time at the racetrack.”
Villacanes also joined last season but missed two rounds due to a wrist injury.
He said he started racing at the age of 17 in his hometown of Himamaylan, in Negros Occidental, the central Philippines. “I found motocross so exciting and a good way to exercise too. It can be a non-stop, full body, high-heart rate workout that requires mental focus.”
Dave Celis earned another second-place finish with a total of 310 points while Melvin Cepeda came in third with 258 points. The other racers in the Veterans Class were Cuki Alvarez, Charles Cepeda, Glen Pangelinan, Ray Yumul and Julian Salalila.
Intermediate Class
For his part, Corry Pangelinan Pangelinan ruled the Intermediate Class with a perfect score of 350 points. Tristan Sablan came in second with 296 points while Henry Camacho Jr. finished third with 284 points.
Melvin Cepeda, Byron Castro, David Camacho, AJ Llagas, Jesus Santos, Joel Camacho, Bruce Camacho and Gino Dela Cruz were the other racers in the Intermediate Class.
Big Boy ATV Class
Christian Camacho dominated the Big Boy ATV Class, garnering a perfect score of 350 points to beat Henry Camacho who had 298 points and Rex Susulin who earned 290 points.
Novice Class
In the Novice Class, Joe Santos seized the spotlight with 314 points to claim the red plate trophy. Aric Cruz came in second with 274 points followed by Ethan Yumul in third with 270 points.
The other racers in the Novice Class were Bob Ferrer, Ponce Rasa, Maribel Igitol, Frankie Sablan, Leonel Masga, Keoni Macaranas, Cory Llagas, Merissa Rasa and Stanley Iakopo.
Ellery Cruz, centers, smiles while holding the red plate trophy in the Expert Class and posing for a photo with Marianas Racing Association President Charles Cepeda and Vice President Cuki Alvarez during the awards ceremony for the 2022 Monster Energy Points Race Series on Saturday at PIC.
Champi Villacanes, center, holds the red plate trophy as he poses for a photo with Dave Celis, Melvin Cepeda, other Veteran Class riders, family members and Marianas Racing Association officials during the awards ceremony for the 2022 Monster Energy Points Race Series on Saturday at PIC.
