By Robert Balajadia

Sean Lipanovich rides during practice sessions days before the Smokin’ Wheels Races. (photo by Richard Camacho IV)

There will be over a handful of professional athletes competing in the 2015 Smokin’ Wheels but none of them are going to experience the event quite like Guam’s own professional Motocross athlete Sean Lipanovich.

It’s been 11 years since Lipanovich’s last race on Guam. Dating back, that would make him at least 14 years old, putting him under the legal age to drive a fully operative motor vehicle on Guam’s main roads. Though, the dirt roads was where you would most likely to find Lipanovich as he began biking since the age of four.

“The weather, the ocean, there’s nothing like it here,” said Sean reflecting on Guam. “The water is completely blue, it’s super tropical, it’s beautiful place here.”

Sean was born and raised on Guam but left after 8th grade to chase his dreams of becoming a motocross pro. With the help of his bike, Lipanovich the dream chaser quickly became Lipanovich the dream catcher, and there is still a bunch of his-story still being written.

Lipanovich is on Guam courtesy of Greg Perez, Moto X Equipment Rental under Frank Rios, Tumon Dental Office of Stan Yasuhiro, Johnny Cool Towing, Cassidy’s Insurance, ERC, Don Go, and Onedera Store.

“My sponsor provided everything for me and I jumped at the opportunity to come back here,” said Lipanovich. “Everyone is super excited to have me back, everyone here treats me like family, I grew up here.”

The opportunity to race opened up six weeks ago and Sean is approaching the weekends races with just as much focus and determination as a pro series race.

“Friday is when we’re really going to get a good practice going. I’ve gotten to ride the track this week, but all the preparation for this event was done well before I even got here,” Lipanovich stated.

Sean @ Smokin’ Wheels Events

You can catch Lipanovich competing in several events during the Smoking’ Wheels races which include:

Saturday:
8 am  – 11:25 am MX Heat 1 Motocross – ATV/UTV/Trophy Kart
12:30 pm – 3:45 MX Heat 2 Motcross & ATV’s

Sunday:
10:30 am  – 12:30 pm Open Motorcycle Endurance Race

The Saturday race at 12:30 is Lipanovich’s main racing event in the 250/450.

Lipanovich says that he will be going up against some riders from Japan and the Philippines for the event, but the pro is confident that he can take top honors.

“Winning feels good anytime, but it would definitely be a special something if I’m able to win while here on Guam,” said Lipanovich.

Sean Lipanovch (right) with endurance teammate Nick Yasuhiro pose with the SLMX School banner. (photo by Richard Camacho IV)

Pro Teacher

Lipanovich is currently one of Riverside California’s most renowned bike instructors. He has taken his talents of worldwide riding and has opened up a school called SLMX SCHOOL, and you can find out all about it on his website at www.slmxschool.com where you can also see a list of all of his recent accomplishments.

The difference in teaching riders on Guam and Cali vastly differ in numbers, roughly a 200 rider difference, but the will to learn is there. Regardless of the state of Motocross on Guam now, Lipanovich plans on moving back to the Island when he’s peaking at 45-50 years old and a revitalization of the sport is sure to come back with him.

His teachings aren’t just for pros. Lipanovich specializes in training beginners to pro riders on a daily basis from all ages. Since he’s been back, the pro has been offering his services to Guam’s riders. Groups of over 25 riders and a few private lessons have been keeping Lipanovich busy until the big weekend races.

After the weekends races, Sean will offer one more session Monday for riders before he leaves Island on Tuesday.

***Sean’s latest race times will be added after race completion.

(photo by Richard Camacho IV)