Champi Villacanes poses for a photo before the start of the eighth round race in the veterans class of the Marianas Racing Association “MOTO IV” Points Race Series at Cowtown Raceway Park on Sunday.
CHAMPI Villacanes and Matthew Guerrero came out on top of their respective classes in the eighth and final round of the Marianas Racing Association “MOTO IV” Points Race Series at Cowtown Raceway Park on Sunday.
Villacanes also achieved a long-time goal — to beat Cuki Alvarez in the veterans class.
Throughout the season, Villacanes and Alvarez had been going toe to toe, but the latter had always overshadowed the former — until Sunday.
In heat 1, Alvarez had a bad start, accelerating a bit too early. He was forced to back up in order to clear the starting gate. Although he quickly recovered and made his way back to the front of the line, it was a tad bit too late as Villacanes had already gathered enough distance to secure a first-place finish for 25 points while Alvarez came in second to earn 22 points.
Villacanes rode the momentum into the second heat, battling Alvarez through six laps to finish first again and earn 25 points, which gave him a total of 50 points. Alvarez settled for second place with 22 points for a total of 44 points.
In third place was Charles Cepeda with 40 points followed by Ray Yumul with 36 and Bob Ferrer with 32.
In the novice class, Matthew Guerrero reclaimed the top spot with finesse as he finished first in both heats to gather 50 points, beating Christian Camacho, who placed second with 44, and Frankie Sablan, who came in third with 40.
Aric Cruz also reclaimed his spot at the top of the intermediate class as he earned his redemption with a perfect 50-point finish to defeat Vicente Palacios who finished second with 44 points. In third was Ethan Yumul with 40 points while Charles Cepeda was in fourth with 36.
In the expert class, Shane Alvarez remains the top rider as he bagged another 50-point victory. Ellery Cruz was second with 42 points; Corry Pangelinan was third with 40; and Patrick Togawa was fourth with 38.
Another great season
“This year, MRA Points Series race has concluded a great season once again,” MRA President Charles Cepeda said. “Riders have all improved as they do every season. Their commitment to practice rides, proper technique training and race participation gets them to the next level each and every race. Watching their fire speed and performance improve is an absolute satisfying thing to witness,” he added.
“This year we even saw riders coming back to race in the series and we also received a few new riders who joined the club and participated in the race series. This is a sign that motocross is here to stay. Even with members leaving the club, we still entice new riders,” Cepeda said.
“MRA fans are also die-hard enthusiasts who brave the heat, dust and rain throughout the season. We encourage everyone to come and watch the races and the practices on Sundays as it does bring excitement at Cowtown Raceway Park. It is great to see all who come to watch!”
