BEYOND THE BERM

WHAT DAY IS IT?!?! IT’S RACE DAY! DOWN AT THE RANCH!

hitney Mesa BMX is a top-notch facility established in 2012 and located in the beautiful City of Henderson, Nevada. Mac Hopson, along with wife Jessica, Samantha and two sons Makieva “The Hulk” Hopson and Casshe “Cash Money” Hopson took over the track in 2018 after learning from renowned figures in the BMX community, John and Debi Diaz at Nellis BMX. The Hopson Family has been involved in BMX for 20 years since Makieva started racing at 5 years old. After volunteering for years Mac felt a desire to do more and bring his energy and attitude to the BMX scene, not just locally but for the entire sport.

This exceptional BMX track spans 1100 feet and is surfaced with water conserving Soiltac. Whitney Mesa BMX has gained a reputation for its excellent track design and maintenance. Mac Hopson, along with his dedicated family and volunteers have put a tremendous effort in to create a first-class racing experience for riders of all ages and skill levels.

Whitney Mesa BMX strives to create a fun and familyoriented atmosphere while also fostering competitive and exciting racing. The track is home to some of the fastest riders in the nation, evident in the Track vs Track Competitions that take place on the National Circuit. At Whitney Mesa BMX, their commitment extends beyond riders to the community as well. They organize various series and events to keep the BMX experience thrilling. One notable event is “Road To Grands” where a lucky rider gets $500 towards the USABMX Grand Nationals. Additionally, their Halloween Race features exciting activities like the Pumpkin Rolling Contest and Haunted Pop-Up Contest along with the Easter Race featuring the Easter Bunny and Easter Egg Hunt. They also contribute to Breast Cancer Awareness through their “Pink Out” Event. The kids at Whitney Mesa BMX enjoy Mac’s Summer Games, a series of activities held throughout the summer. This year, they kicked off their night racing with a vibrant “Neon Night” event.

Whitney Mesa is not just about race days; it’s creating an unforgettable experience for everyone involved. The facility has proudly hosted the 2022 Southwest Gold Cup Championship and will be home to the 2023 Nevada State Championship. Lastly, the Hopson Family expressed their gratitude to the volunteers who tirelessly contribute their time and effort to make Whitney Mesa a beautiful and safe facility. They want to thank the riders along with their families that support Whitney Mesa BMX. They appreciate the unwavering support of the City of Henderson and all those who have played a part in the success of Whitney Mesa BMX.

Words & Photos by: Justin Wahl

That sweet, sweet Mid-West humidity. It makes champions, forges friendships, and in Raytown, MO, it laid the foundation for a race weekend full of BMX. The races kicked off hot with about two and a half hours worth of racing right up until the storm of all storms ripped through the track, taking canopies, banners, and almost a couple of kids with its 70+ MPH winds. The winds calmed, and the rain dried the perfect track for a two-in-one special on Saturday. With a 9 AM start time, the Day 1 action immediately started with fast laps. With Kenadie Neelan charging by Preston Gould in 13-14 Girls Cruiser and a full rack of 36-40 Women Cruiser class preparing the turn two crowds for what was waiting for them later, the Friday on Saturday racing was the filling appetizer that had us ALMOST tapping out once Saturday’s Mains were charging around the track. The big topic of Friday’s mains was the bunny hop that almost was. Drew Polk reeled in the Texan, Cameron Wing, through the second straight, and just when Wing thought he was in the clear, his tires went to the sky, forcing Polk’s instincts to kick in. Jump, Jump high. Just tagging Wing’s front wheel with his back wheel, Polk’s tire blew from impact, causing him to wreck and wait until later that day to get his win class win in Missouri. While only two class wins weren’t exactly what Polk came to the Mid America Nationals for, he did make up for it with two Tangent Pro/Am pay days joining Rita Fedewa and Lola Jonjevic in the Tangent winner’s circle.

With the rain on Friday and a two-for-one day on Saturday, the weekend was returning to normal. However, Mother Nature had a different idea regarding Sunday’s race day. Charging along, through motos, past some very fast quarters and semis, and to the Cruiser classes, the black cloud rolled through God’s country. As I (Justin Wahl) stood on the finish line stage with an umbrella in hand, shielding Jen Morris from the elements, it was clear the Main event action would have to wait for the sky to clear. And clear it did.

The blue sky peaked through as if it was written in a storybook. But with the elements still lingering on the track, the racing changed from, “Go fast” to “Go fast and stay up.” Balancing the line between timid and eager, the fans held their breath, hoping safe lines would prevail. For 17-20 Cruiser, they did not, and who capitalized? None other than the traveling track official Aaron Alensonorin. As bikes and bodies sprayed across each turn, “Spartan” kept it together for what we believe is his first national win ever. The spills were heartbreaking, but the moves that stuck were exhilarating, and Jim Riley’s reactions are the perfect representation. The pure joy from Riley’s mic watching the 17-20x Women make it through turn three unscathed.

Tiegan Stiebel floats into turn one as he dials in the fast first straight of Raytown BMX.

Lil MJ Marlee Holladay laid the power

July 14-16, 2023

Raytown BMX / Raytown Missouri States Represented