Melvin “The Whip” Cepeda holds the 2023 Rider of the Year trophy as he poses for a photo with Marianas Racing Association officers, Speaker Edmund Villagomez and Rep. Marissa Flores during the awards ceremony of the 2023 MRA Monster Energy Points Race Series on Saturday at the Saipan World Resort Taga Hall.
MELVIN “The Whip” Cepeda was named the 2023 Marianas Racing Association Rider of the Year during MRA’s awards banquet on Saturday evening at the Saipan World Resort Taga Hall.
When MRA President Charles Cepeda announced the name of the awardee, Melvin Cepeda said he was shocked to hear his name.
“Melvin has been one of our Endura riders,” Charles Cepeda said. “He went to Guam and did a couple of races and is one of our most experienced members. He races in three different classes, and he does very well — he podiums in two of three. I believe…that [he] deserv[es] [to be] the top rider.”
The MRA president added, “He’s one of those riders that just comes, practices, rides and enjoys.”
Melvin Cepeda placed second overall in the Veterans Class with a total of 238 points while placing third in the Intermediate Class with a total of 226 points. He came in fifth in the Expert Class with a total of 168 points.
“It feels overwhelming — I did not expect this,” he said, referring to the award. The 52-year-old rider had seen more action than the rest during the recently concluded 2023 MRA Monster Energy Points Race Series.
He said he joined three racing classes because it was “boring” to join just one.
“I want back-to-back races because I love riding. So I wanted to ride more and prove that — even in this age — I can still ride with the young ones,” Melvin Cepeda said.
This year, he believes that his skills have greatly improved. “It was a good year,” he added.
“I plan to ride throughout the rest of the future,” said Melvin Cepeda, who rides a YZ 250F Yamaha.
“Thank you MRA for all your hard work and to everyone else. I appreciate the support and I know these kids look up to me. My biggest supporter is my wife, Elenor. I dedicate my win to her — she bought me the bike,” he said.
Brand-new track next year
MRA President Charles Cepeda announced that new tweaks will be made to the tracks of the Cow Town Raceway Park, which will be ready for MRA’s premier event, the 2023 Turkey Cross in November.
“We are expanding the track with two more lanes along with a beginner’s track filled with turns and flats…. 45 seconds to a minute will be added because of these changes,” he added.
