MOTOCROSS is back on island thanks to the Marianas Racing Association which is now looking forward to another great year.
“We had an amazing 2021 race season and the turnout was great, both in the numbers of competitors and fans alike,” MRA vice president Cuki Alvarez said in an interview.
On average, at least 60 to 70 riders make their way north to the Cow Town Raceway Park in Marpi to compete in the MRA events, Alvarez said.
“From the PeeWees, all the way up to the Big Boy ATV classes, we had a total of 10 classes and each class had 5-15 or more racers competing in every race/round. Last year, we had a total of seven points race rounds and two fun races,” he added.
This year, MRA plans to keep the momentum going with another seven-round Points Race Series.
“At the end of the seven rounds, the rider with the most points garnered in their divisions will earn the coveted Number 1 red plate,” Alvarez said.
Aside from the regular Points Race Series, which will be held every last Sunday of the month starting from January 30 to August 28, 2022, MRA is hoping to host races on Tinian during its annual fiesta in May, Alvarez said.
He added that MRA may also participate in Guam’s annual Smoking Wheels race set for April.
In addition, MRA plans to end the year with “fun races” on Labor Day and Thanksgiving, Alvarez said.
Other than adding more event to “feed” the island racers’ “hunger for action,” MRA is also working on improvements at Saipan’s only race track. These will include installing a new mechanical starting gate.
“That is our top priority and we are also looking for much needed loads of dirt to improve and build up our jumps and berms and add a few more obstacles to the course.” Alvarez said.
“We had some unfortunate vandalism and break-ins issues in 2021 and so we are pleading with the public to please assist us in taking care of the Cow Town Raceway Park. After all, the Raceway Park is for them so they can enjoy all the race action,” he added.
Meeting
MRA will hold a general membership meeting on Wednesday, Jan. 12, at 6 p.m. at the Mina’chom Atdao Pavilion.
All current active members are asked to attend this important meeting which will discuss the 2022 race season. Any and all interested dirt bike riders are also invited to attend and join MRA.
Riders make their way through the track at the Cow Town Raceway Park during the MRA Points Race Series in September 2021.
Marianas Racing Association officials pose for a photo during the awards banquet at the Saipan World Resort in September 2021.
