BUENAS to all motorsports enthusiasts, fans, racers and other interested individuals. I hope that lots of you who have been reading my letters, especially the powerful and the honorables who could let this happen, have recognized what this is all about.
This is a benefit for the CNMI. I believe the majority of the people of the CNMI would agree to have a motorsports action once again. For example, isn’t it nice to go and watch a drag race, off-road race, or moto/supercross race on a Sunday with your family or friends? It will be a great attraction.
If the people’s park (raceway park) could re-open, for example on public land in Marpi (Cowtown, near Grotto), Saipan will need three types of track:
• Offroad Track. This is for motocross, supercross, quad/ATV, and the offroad vehicles. Imagine screaming bikes, rails, trucks and vehicles jumping like 20 to 30 feet on the air.
• 1/4 Mile Drag Strip. For all classes and vehicles. All must meet the NHRA standard safety regulations depending on certain classes. The best class will be in the bracket racing. Anyone could compete in this category, even a bone stock Suzuki Alto making 29 seconds! Isn’t it great to watch a hopped up screaming 4, 6, and V8 drag cars/trucks zooming by a quarter mile within 10 to 15 seconds only.
•. Kart Racing. Well, we do have a track in Kan Pacific, but this have to be developed so that our current racers could have a permanent track. Don’t forget. We do have champs locally who have competed with off-island champions and beat them.
Lots of work and process are needed. However, by working together, this will be one major development that could be done with ease. I believe that there are many businesses and individuals willing to help develop a raceway park. Other than that, the cost of development needed could be generated. Consider the racers’ track and entrance fees, concession fees, sponsors, enthusiasts, bystanders fees, etc. On Guam, racers pay as much as $180 a day which covers everything at the track. Bystanders’ entrance fees are like $12 a day or $20 for two days at the Smokin Wheels’ main event.
Lets hope our leaders (the honorables) and our community could take this seriously and develop this for the people of the CNMI. That is why we have to carry the name “the people’s park.” Motorsports are a main attraction anywhere in the world. We already got football, basketball, tennis, baseball, golf, the new soccer field, canoe race, windsurf race, jet ski race, etc. How about motorsports? There are a bunch of local racers and pros. Too bad we do not have a race track. This is like a good or single H/C golfer who can’t find a golf course. That is what happened to myself and other fellow racers of the CNMI. Sad, isn’t it? But we are always ready for action.
Meanwhile, we will find a way to practice, tune in the machines, and test cars where we can. There is no way a person could stop his profession and what he likes to do. Stay tuned. In 2003, the CNMI might go to Guam to compete. ATVS, motorcross, off road trucks/rails and drag cars/trucks. I hope this will prove something.KAZUNORI “KATZ” IKEDA
Gualo Rai, Saipan
