The top three finishers — Guam’s James Cepeda, Tim Wenden, and Blaze Aiken — pose with their trophies alongside the other participants in the Open Expert Class during the awards ceremony of the Marianas Racing Association Turkey Cross 2024 at Cow Town Raceway Park over the weekend.
THE Marianas Racing Association’s annual Turkey Cross 2024 competition filled the Thanksgiving weekend with fun and exciting action as Saipan and Guam motocross rides vied for their respective class titles at the Cow Town Raceway Park.
Saipan hosted the event, but it was Guam that felt at home as its riders won several gold medals throughout the two-day event.
In the adult division, Guam was dominant, claiming gold in all nine classes.
The Women’s Open Class saw Guam’s Shad’e Pitter ruling the dirt track, finishing first in all three heats to secure the gold medal with 75 points. Guam also earned a silver medal as Mariana Wenden followed behind with 66 points.
But Saipan did not go home empty-handed as young Billie Pangelinan finished third with 60 points while Maribel Igitol settled for fourth with 54 points.
In the Big Boy ATV Novice Class, Guam’s Matthew Sandlin claimed the top spot with a flawless performance, earning 75 points while Saipan’s Henry Camacho finished second with 64 points, edging Guam’s Austin Blaz who came in third with 62 points.
In the Big Boy ATV Open Expert Class, Guam’s James Lujan clinched first place with 75 points. Christian Camacho added another silver medal for Saipan with 67 points while Guam’s Robert Bucek placed third with 62 points.
But Bucek claimed gold in the Big Boy ATV Veterans Class with a perfect score of 75 followed by Saipan’s Henry Camacho with 64 points, and Guam’s Roberto Pitter with 62 points.
In the Veterans Class, Guam’s Tim Wenden took home the gold medal with 75 points while Saipan’s Cuki Alvarez settled for second with 66 points and Guam’s Gregorio Perez was third with 58 points.
Kanen Arceo added another gold for Guam as he ruled the Novice Class with 75 points beating Saipan’s Matthew Guerrero who had 60 points and Guam’s Shad’e Pitter who garnered 58 points.
In the Intermediate Class, Guam’s Richard Wenden won the gold with 75 points followed by Saipan’s Aric Cruz and Vicente Palacios with 66 points and 60 points, respectively.
In the Expert Class, Guam claimed all three medals. James Cepeda took the gold with 72 points, Tim Wenden earned silver with 69 points while Blaze Aiken bagged the bronze with 60 points.
In the Legends Class, Guam’s Jeff Rios reigned supreme with 75 points while Saipan’s Charles Cepeda settled for second place with 64 points. Ray Yumul, also of Saipan, was right behind with 62 points.
Youth riders
Saipan and Guam’s youth riders were more evenly matched.
In the Mini I Class, Guam’s Daryan Camacho won gold with 75 points. Guam’s second gold medal was contributed by John Boy Aguon who topped the Mini II Class with 75 points. Julian Lane, also of Guam, finished second with 66 points while Saipan’s Calix Cruz came in third with 60 points.
In the Mini ATV Class, Saipan filled the top three led by Anella Igitol with 75 points followed by teammates Payton Pangelinan with 64 and Nakoa Torres with 62.
Miyako Celis added another gold for Saipan as she topped the Power Puff Girls Class with 75 points followed by teammate Kesiil Camacho with 66 points.
Huge turnout
MRA President Ellery Cruz said a total of 58 riders registered for the Turkey Cross 2024 — 25 from Saipan and 33 from Guam.
“From the huge turnout of our Guam riders and their families, the the fans, to the huge amount of community support — it was overwhelming in the best of ways!” Cruz said. “There aren’t enough words to describe how thankful and grateful we are. From the bottom of our hearts, thank you!”
Cruz said “this year’s competition was awesome, and everyone showed and displayed their skills excellently. The riders put on a great show.”
He said Turkey Cross 2024 could not have been successful without the support of the following:
Offices of the Governor & Lt. Governor
SNILD
Saipan Mayor’s Office, Mayor RB Camacho
Office of Grants Management
CNMI Customs
Office of Rep. Manny Castro
Marianas Visitors Authority
Deacon Tony Yarobwemal
DFEMS
GPPC
Forever CNMI
D&Q
Marpac
Ina’s Kitchen
Homeland Security
DPW
Department of Corrections
Commonwealth Utilities Corporation
DC Pro Rental
Herman’s Modern Bakery
Joeten Motors
YCO True Value
Monster Energy
JEM Company
United equipment
DLNR-Parks & Rec
“We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to our incredible sponsors for their generous support,” Cruz said. “Your commitment and contributions were essential in making this event possible and helping it run smoothly. We are grateful for your partnership and for believing in the power of motocross to bring people together. Your support means the world to us, and we look forward to working with you again in the future.”
He added, “Thank you again to our community for showing up and cheering us all on, and for our moto brothers and sisters and their families from Guam for coming out and braaappping with us!”
