MUD, MAYHEM IN MOTOCROSS ROUND 5

PRESS RELEASE – Round 5 of the highly anticipated Guam Monster Energy Motocross Series took place on Sunday, October 4th, at the TEBO Motocross Park in Pulantat, Yona, delivering a wildly unpredictable day of racing as heavy rains transformed the motocross track into a mud-soaked battleground. Spectators braved the wet conditions to cheer on riders who faced one of the most unpredictable rounds in races of this series. Unlike previous events plagued by dry and dusty terrain, this round offered the complete opposite- slick corners and visibility reduced to splashes of brown. The terrible weather challenged riders’ technique, balance, and endurance, making every heat a true test of resilience and adaptability. 

Prepping for the Slop

Despite the soggy forecast, preparations on Saturday carried on, with sponsors and volunteers from the Guam Motocross Club committed to improving the venue. Though hopes for a dry race were dashed just hours before, the team’s efforts helped ensure that safety measures were still in place.

Youth Rising in the Rain

Heat 1 of the Open Expert kicked off with mud flying in every direction. JR Cepeda, a seasoned rider on a Yamaha YZ450cc, exploded off the start, but a slippery first corner saw several riders go down. Cepeda (#7), Tim Wenden (#3) aboard a Rocky Mountain Precast supported KTM250cc, and Blaze Aiken (#85) on a Cyclesplus supported Kawasaki KX250cc, took the lead fighting for the first position. Further back, Richard Wenden (#31) on a KTM250cc, covered in mud from head to toe, fought his way forward after a rough start. By lap four, he had overtaken three other riders and was closing in on the trio up front. The track, now resembling a swamp more than a race course, became a test of skill as much as speed. 

The lead changed hands early as Blaze Aiken powered through the sludge to take control. Aiken and Cepeda found themselves in a fierce struggle for first, with Aiken temporarily gaining the edge, until he slid out in the unforgiving mud. Richard Wenden, seizing this opportunity, passed both riders and landed in first. Cepeda attempted to regain a position, but Richard, battling hard, kept his lead and finished in first. JR Cepeda finished in second with Tim Wenden crossing the finish line in third. Richard, just 15-years-old, was overjoyed that he had beat the much older and experienced riders, but there was still another wet heat to go.

Slip, Slide, and Victory – Heat 2

Heat 2 brought even more drama. Little John Aguon (#18), who finished fifth in the previous heat, landed in first off the start. Just behind him was Richard Wenden, followed closely by his father Tim Wenden. The father-son duo battled it out for the second place position. Fueled by determination and perhaps the memory of mud in his helmet from the previous race, young Richard overtook Aguon. His father, Tim, soon passed Aguon and the Wenden boys now battled for first. 

Behind them, other riders were struggling to compete. The wet conditions made staying upright nearly impossible and many riders ended up stuck in the mud. As the track conditions continued to deteriorate, Jake Jones (#33), aboard a Triple J sponsored YZ250cc, got stuck in the mud. The Guam Motocross Club rulebook states that a rider in the Open Expert class can not be helped by supporters, so Jones was left to pull his bike out of the mud on his own. Aiken, who was doing well in the first heat, slid out hard in the second heat and slid back to fifth place. Cepeda, realizing his best course of action was to focus on himself and staying upright, stayed in third until the end of the race.

Meanwhile, Richard and Tim Wenden continued to race hard. As the checkered flag flew, Richard Wenden held strong for the win, followed by Tim Wenden in close second and a mud-caked JR Cepeda rounding out the podium.

The Vet ATV Class race was a tough, muddy battle that pushed riders to their limits. Robert Bucek (#2) and Jonathan Aguon (#19) powered through the slick conditions with determination and skill. 

A Dirty Day to Remember

In addition to the expert classes, the event showcased the Vet and Novice ATV divisions, as well as the Schoolboy, Novice, and Vet classes. The Vet, Expert, and Novice ATV riders, covered in mud, raced hard. Robert Bucek (#2) sits in first place overall for the Vet ATV Class and the Expert ATV class.

After 5 rounds, JR Cepeda (#7) has been dominating the Open Expert Class. Cepeda, who has accumulated more Guam Motocross Championships than any other rider, leads the class with 225 points. He also leads the 450cc class with 244 points. In second place at 193 points is Tim Wenden (#3). Only a single point behind is Cyclesplus supported rider Blaze Aiken (#85) with 192 points. Although Richard Wenden (#31) has been up front battling with top contenders, a previous bad race has him sitting in fourth at 185 points. 

Round 5 of the Guam Monster Energy Motocross Series proved that motocross isn’t just about speed—it’s about heart. From young racers to seasoned veterans, every competitor showed grit and determination through the muddiest race of the season so far. Despite the challenging conditions, every rider displayed impressive effort and sportsmanship, embracing the muddy course with smiles and determination

With even more weather drama possible in the upcoming rounds, fans and riders alike are looking forward to Round 6 on Sunday, October 19th, held at the TEBO Motocross Park. Interested in being part of the action or getting your kids involved? Contact Robert Bucek at +1 (671) 727-5381 for information on how to join the Motocross Club.

The Other Classes Results are as follows:

Schoolboy 

1st: Jonathan Aguon

Novice

1st: Jonathan Aguon

Novice ATV

1st: Gavin Lorenzo

250cc

1st: Richard Wenden

2nd: Tim Wenden

3rd: Blaze Aiken

450cc

1st: JR Cepeda

2nd: John Aguon

Open Expert

1st: Richard Wenden

2nd: Tim Wenden

3rd: JR Cepeda

Vets

1st: Gregorio Perez #77

2nd: Mo Jones

Expert ATV

1st: Robert Bucek

Vet ATV

1st: Robert Bucek

2nd: Jonathan Aguon

3rd: John Gilman