Corry Pangelinan holds the first-place trophy as he poses for a photo with the other Intermediate Class riders of the 2023 MRA Monster Energy Points Race Series during the awards ceremony on Saturday at the Saipan World Resort Taga Hall.
Billie Pangelinan smiles with her first-place trophy as she poses for a photo with the rest of the Mini 2 Class riders of the 2023 MRA Monster Energy Points Race Series during the awards ceremony on Saturday at the Saipan World Resort Taga Hall.
SIBLINGS Corry and Billie Pangelinan earned their second consecutive “red plate” in their respective classes of the 2023 Marianas Racing Association Monster Energy Points Race Series.
The two and the other winners of the recently concluded season were honored during an awards ceremony Saturday at the Saipan World Resort Taga Hall.
Corry successfully defended his title in the Intermediate Class with a total of 297 points.
“The toughest obstacle I had gone through was each race of the season!” he said. “Every time I get to the starting gate, I get nervous that I might crash and injure myself. Each race could be anyone’s [game]. It’s a tough and dangerous sport but I was able to keep my head in the game!”
He said it felt great to retain his title, adding that he is now focused on joining the Expert Class in the next season. “I’m pleased with my performance, but I always believe there’s room for improvement and I’m hoping that I can use this time off to practice harder and prepare myself for the Expert Class. I wouldn’t have made it this far without the help of my coach Ellery Cruz!” he added.
He also thanked his family and friends for always supporting him and his sister throughout the season.
“Without them as well as my racing team Erricco Racing none of this would be possible,” he added.
For her part, his sister Billie Pangelinan earned her second title in the Mini 2 Class.
It was a tough season for her, but she managed to clinch first place with a total of 265 points to edge TJ Ferrer, who settled for second place with 262 points.
“It feels great to defend my title, although it was definitely a challenge! The competition was always a fun battle with TJ! We both fought to place in each race and we definitely put on a show in the last round,” Billie said. “I am most definitely satisfied with my performance this season! I wouldn’t be able to have done it without my brother, Corry, and my coach, Ellery Cruz, whose advice throughout the season helped me improve to be the best I can be.”
Billie could not perform at her full potential due to a surgery in June. “I also had a problem with my bike during the first heat of the race in June. Although we were able to get it working, and I was able to race the second heat, I had to go really slow to be safe. I was just racing for points!” Billie said.
She plans to compete again in the Mini 2 class next season and defend her title.
Corry and Billie said they would also like to thank their sponsors: Inas Kitchen, Pokka (Marpac), YCO True Value, Marianas Native, Speaker Edmund Villagomez, Vice Speaker Joel Camacho, Rep. Angelo Camacho, Rep. Joe Flores, Rep. Roy Ada, Rep. Manny Castro, Rep. Diego Camacho, Rep. TJ Manglona, Rep. Denita Yangetmai, and Patrick Cepeda.
