BILLIE Pangelinan, 13, is the Marianas Racing Association’s Rider of the Year in the 2022 season of the Monster Energy Points Race Series
In the Power Puff Class, Pangelinan faced last year’s winner Nanako Celis in a seesaw battle throughout the seven rounds of the 2022 season. Pangelinan earned a total of 337 points to win the first-place red plate trophy.
And because of her improvement and determination, MRA named her Rider of the Year.
“It is an honor as president of MRA to select the rider of the year for these last two series,” Charles Cepeda said during the awards ceremony on Saturday at PIC.
“This year is a bit tougher and not as clear-cut as the dominance of our rider of the year last year, Ms. Theresa Borja,” he added. The then-11-year-old Borja competed in the Mini ATV class.
Still, Cepeda said “this year’s rider of the year has shown improvement, determination and grit in racing. Improvement from last year in both riding skills and bike maintenance. Showing determination by lining up at the starting gate making sure everything is prepped for the best start. Grit. According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, grit in the context of behavior is defined as ‘firmness of character; … a state of being firm; strength.”
Cepeda said Pangelinan would walk around the pits with a smile on her face as she greeted everyone.
“She fits right in with others, and is sometimes seen [with] fellow racers at every tent. But as soon as she gets to the starting gate, that determination and posture shift. These same fellow racers in the pits turn into [rivals] at the starting gates, and her posture is focused on being a winner on the track.” Cepeda said.
“She has become one of the inspirations for what MRA is all about — family and friends racing in Cowtown,” he added.
Nanako Celis settled for second place in the Power Puff Class with a total of 314 points while Shaniah Alvarez came in third with 222 points. The other competitors were Miyako Celis, Emelsha Cepeda and Sheanna Pangelinan.
Billie Pangelinan smiles as she holds the Power Puff Class red plate trophy while posing for a photo with her family and Marianas Racing Association officials during the awards ceremony on Saturday at PIC.