PULL BMX May / June 2023

MATTE BLACK

On the rise and dominating the USA BMX National series, Skyler Despopoulos has found his bike loving groove. Making the move from San Diego to Tulsa, Skyler is the newest face to join the Midwest power.

VOLUME 13 / ISSUE 3

PUBLISHERS

CHAIRMAN EMERITUS

Bernie Anderson CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

B.A. Anderson

PRESIDENT & CHAIRMAN

Shane Fernandez

SPORTS/TOURISM/ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

DIRECTOR OF BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT

Justin Travis x 146

HOTEL ACCOMMODATIONS

Carissa McCalls

502-354-9103 x 1027

USA BMX FOUNDATION

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Ray Hoyt x 170

DIRECTOR OF NATIONAL OPERATIONS

Brooke Crain x 180

NATIONAL PROGRAMS MANAGER

Noah Szymanski x 178

REGIONAL PROGRAMS MANAGER

Tyler Russell x 176

PULL BMX Magazine

ART DIRECTOR

Cheryl Bustamante x 131

EDITOR / PHOTOGRAPHER

Justin Wahl

VIDEOGRAPHER / ASST. EDITOR

George “G-MO” Vick x 135

ADVERTISING / SPONSORSHIP

DIRECTOR

Shannon Gillette x 144

CREATIVE ASSISTANT

Elizabeth Curtin x 131

FACILITY MANAGER

Mike Freisinger

CONTRIBUTOR

James Pennucci, Riley Pennucci, Correlation

Photo Co.,Connor Fields, Olivier Weidemann

ACCOUNTING

ACCOUNTING MANAGER

Julie Jacobs x 121

ACCOUNTING ASSISTANT

Cami Schmidt x

Reva Tunney x 118

Gavin Anderson x 110

TRACK OPERATIONS

DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS

Cody Wilson x 145

WEST DIRECTOR

Heath Borland x 127

EAST DIRECTOR

Connie Shepler x 157

Track DIRECTOR

Steven Adams x 141

NEW TRACK DEVELOPMENT & COACHING

Justin Travis x 146

TRACK OPERATIONS & LEAGUE

COORDINATOR

Charlie Berry x 130

MAY/JUNE 2023

TECHNICAL

IT/TECHNICAL DIRECTOR

Brad Hallin x 122

IT/RACE MANAGER SPECIALIST

Bill Curtin x 103

MEMBERSHIP / POINTS

MEMBERSHIP DIRECTOR

Brad Hallin x 122

MEMBERSHIP MANAGER

Gabi Lantz-select #3 for Membership

MEMBERSHIP COORDINATORS

Faith David-select #3 for Membership

Ryan McGrath-select #3 for Membership

MEMBERSHIP DEVELOPMENT

MANAGER

Justin Wahl

NATIONAL STAFF

DIRECTOR OF NATIONAL RACE

OPERATIONS

Chris Luna x 126

NATIONAL RACE DIRECTOR

Bill Morris

HEAD SCOREKEEPER

Jennifer Morris x 111

TRACK DESIGNER / BUILDER

Billy Allen x 149

NATIONAL ANNOUNCER

Erick Grindle

NATIONAL HEADQUARTERS TULSA

HARDESTY NATIONAL BMX STADIUM

TRACK OPERATOR

Jacob Nelson x 177

GENERAL MANAGER

Scott Shope x 200

HALL OF FAME MUSEUM CURATOR

gOrk x 114

FREESTYLE

PRESIDENT

Shane Fernandez

DIRECTOR OF NATIONAL FREESTYLE OPERATIONS

Tony Degollado

PHOTOGRAPHER

Kyle Carlson COMMUNICATIONS

COMMIT AGENCY

Amy Perez

MAILING ADDRESS

PO Box 718

Chandler, AZ 85244

STREET ADDRESS

1645 West Sunrise Blvd. Gilbert, AZ 85233

OFFICE PHONE

480-961-1903

WEBSITES

usabmx.com (Race) bmxcanada.org (Race) usabmxf.com (Freestyle) pullbmx.com (Digital Magazine)

Follow us @USABMX on PULL BMX-(ISSN 1082-4108), (USPS 459-630) is published bimonthly (six issues) by the American Bicycle Association. Offices are located at 1645 West Sunrise Blvd., Gilbert, Arizona 85233. Phone 480-961-1903. Periodical postage is paid at Gilbert, Arizona and additional mailing offices. Annual subscription rate is $26.00 PULL BMX does not knowingly accept fraudulent or objectional advertising. Readers will please report misrepresentation by an advertiser. PULL BMX reserves the right to all articles and photos contained herein. Reprinting or reproduction in whole or part only by permission of editor. All correspondence should be addressed to: PULL BMX, P.O. Box 718, Chandler, Arizona 85244. PULL BMX welcomes unsolicited editorial material including stories, cartoons, photos, etc. Such materials, if published become the exclusive property of PULL BMX. Unsolicited material which is not used will be returned if accompanied by a self addressed stamped envelope. All unsolicited material will be handled with reasonable care, however, PULL BMX assumes no responsibility for the safety, loss, or damage to such material. Advertising rates and circulation information will be sent upon request.

POSTMASTER: Send changes of address to: PULL, P.O. Box 718, Chandler, Arizona 85244.

CARVE

2023 NATIONAL SCHEDULE

SEMIS MAINS CONTENTS

AROUND THE PITS

2023 GOLD CUP SCHEDULE

JOHN DAVID’S FAREWELL SQORZ

2023 CANADIAN SCHEDULE

STACYC SCHEDULE

FREESTYLE SCHEDULE

OPEN JACKETS

NATIONAL POINTS

DAN FOLEY INTERVIEW

THROTTLE

MINI MAYHEM EVOLVED

NAG POINTS

TEAM SHEET

RACE FOR LIFE

CANADIAN #1-LUCAS ZHOU

INDUSTRY: CASEY SCRANTON START A TRACK

TRACK DIRECTORY

BEYOND THE BERM

DISTRICT POINTS

PULL BMX ONLINE

18 GREAT NW NATIONALS

First Interstate Bank Center

Redmond, Oregon

24 CHASE BICYCLES

Building Greatness

36 FREESTYLE ROUND 3

Gathering Place, Tulsa, Oklahoma

42 CAROLINA NATIONALS

Rock Hill BMX Supercross Rock Hill, South Carolina

50 DIXIELAND NATIONALS

Cobb County BMX Powder Springs, Georgia

70 CAJUN NATIONALS

Ike Hamilton Expo Center West Monroe, Louisiana

76 LEGACY NATIONALS

Hardesty National BMX Stadium

Tulsa, Oklahoma

82 WARNICKE SCHOLARS

Warnicke Scholarship Awards

96 FRASER VALLEY NATIONALS

Hardesty National BMX Stadium

Tulsa, Oklahoma

96 LUMBERJACK NATIONALS

Emerald Valley BMX

Eugene, Oregon

ON THE COVER: National No.1 Vet Pro, Barry Nobles, shows off his skills over the Rock Hill berm jump. A dominator of BMX, Nobles and his fellow vets have reinsured the battles in a fun and always competitive light.

ON THIS PAGE: Lauren Reynolds, Teigen Pascual, Daleny Vaughn, and Lexis Colby charge over Rock Hill’s first jump in Women Pro.

2023 USA BMX NATIONAL SCHEDULE

PALM-DOG RETIRES

The 66 bike of James Palmer has announced his retirement from Professional BMX racing. If you’ve been following the Canadian Clayborn rider on social you may have seen his journey through fire school and following his graduation, PalmDog Millionare has decided to put on a new helmet, chasing his new passion in his next career. Thank you for the ride #JP66

Be a part of the Supercross squad with the limited edition Retro SX jerseys. Customizable with name and number, the Dirty Fest kits from Factory Supercross can now be your next kit. The 7x bike of the year is celebrating its rich BMX history and hopes to see you on the SX Retro team.

THE CHAMPIONS FROM TULSA

A lot of speed and a lot of celebrations as these six racers take home the sleeves in Tulsa. Between the six racers pictured, there are 18 National Titles earned between them and 11 are from one racer, Alise Willoughby.

YOSHIMURA COLOR WHEEL THE

Your favorite flat pedals are now even more customizable with the full color range of pins and platforms. Mix, match and ride your bike this summer with Yoshimura Cycling Chilao flats.

THE CAPTAIN’S DUFFLEBAG DASH

Year two of the Dufflebag Dash is on tour with The Captain. As the BMX summer picks up speed be on the lookout for opportunities to help Nic and Lindsay Long give back to the sport and the racers at the highest level. Reach out to Nic directly for donations or be on the look out for his monthly raffles that benefits the Dufflebag Dash.

FLY RACING CELEBRATES

A long standing sponsor of USA BMX and BMX in general, Fly Racing celebrates 25 years of outfitting riders with the best gear to look good and stay safe through the wild world of action sports. The milestone release is set to be paired with a documentary about the company’s process which will preface a special edition kit available to consumers in August of 2023.

LOOK FAMILIAR?

The Blue Falcon’s legacy lives on as the inspiration for this issues cover of PULL BMX. From Trails to Track, Brian Foster and Barry Nobles give the Magazine cover a beautiful lift in style while showing off their front wheel and number plate to the camera.

BOX BUCKS & SUPERX OPEN

Introducing the SuperX Open Class to Box Bucks Program, formerly known as the BOX Pro Contingency Program. By signing up for the program under the race tab on their website and agreeing to the simple terms, you’ll have the chance to win some extra cash prizes as a member of this exclusive group of riders.

You succeed, you get paid by running BOX products on your race rig.

UCI WORLD CUP ANNOUNCED IN TULSA

The UCI has announced that the 2024 BMX Racing World Cup is headed to Tulsa in April 2024. It is the first time a UCI World Cup event has been held in Tulsa, which will also be the final qualifier for the 2024 Olympics in Paris. It will be held at the 25,000-square-foot Hardesty National BMX Stadium located within the national headquarters for USA BMX at 490 N. Lansing Ave. in East Tulsa.

*Schedule is subject to change. Go to: usabmx.com for most current updates.

Dear USA BMX & BMX Canada Membership and Sanctioned Tracks,

It is with a mix of emotions that I write this letter today. After 25 incredible years of working in BMX, I will bid farewell to this exceptional association and embark on a new journey as the President & CEO of the Sports Events & Tourism Association (Sports ETA). I wanted to take a moment to express my heartfelt gratitude and appreciation to each and every one of you.

Throughout my time at USA BMX, I have had the privilege of working closely with an extraordinary group of individuals, including our dedicated membership and the incredible sanctioned tracks that make up the backbone of this sport. Your unwavering passion, commitment, and love for BMX have inspired me beyond measure.

Together, we have witnessed unprecedented growth and transformation of the sport. From two warring factions to a unified sanctioning body in USA BMX, BMX becoming an Olympic sport, and establishing BMX Canada to realize a dream we shared with a special lady from Vancouver Island - Marie Davidson, BMX has evolved and flourished. Our collective efforts have elevated BMX racing to new heights, while creating countless memorable moments that have shaped the lives of riders young and old.

I would like to express my deepest gratitude to the membership, as without your participation and unwavering support, USA BMX would not be the thriving community it is today. Your enthusiasm and dedication to BMX have been the driving force behind our success. Your commitment to the sport, whether as riders, families, or volunteers, has created a sense of family and unity that sets BMX apart.

To the sanctioned tracks across the country, you have been the heart and soul of USA BMX and BMX Canada. Your tireless efforts in building and maintaining world-class BMX facilities have provided countless riders with a field of dreams to pursue their passion. Your commitment to the sport and the communities you serve is truly inspiring, and your contributions have left an unforgettable mark on the BMX landscape.

I would also like to thank the USA BMX staff. This is truly an amazing group of passionate BMX-loving individuals who pour their heart and soul into the sport. Day in and day out they bleed BMX and do it because they love it, striving to provide the opportunity for life-long BMX memories to be made. I am so thankful for our time together, the impact we have made and the laughter we have shared along the way. More often than not, because of you, this was not a job, rather a gift to do what I love with each of you.

To the Anderson family, Bernie and BA, thank you for your incredible leadership and stewardship of our sport. It has been my honor to work for you over the past 23 years, and I will forever be grateful for the generosity you have shown me and my family. I leave proud knowing we accomplished almost everything we dreamed up during my first ABA event in Del Mar, CA in 2000.

As I transition to my new role at Sports ETA, I carry with me the invaluable experiences and lessons learned during my time at USA BMX. Rest assured, the sport of BMX will always hold a special place in my heart and with my family. I am passing my BMX torch to my oldest daughter, Faith, who works for USA BMX at our Tulsa facility. Through her, I will never stray far from this amazing sport I love.

In closing, I want to express my profound appreciation for the support, camaraderie, and memories we have shared over the years. It has been an honor and privilege to serve as part of the USA BMX family, and I will cherish the relationships built and the accomplishments achieved. I look forward to seeing the sport of BMX continue to thrive and grow, and I am excited about the future that lies ahead.

Thank you once again for an incredible 25 years. You have given me the opportunity to race the perfect lap.

Warmest regards,

John David

Former Chief Strategy Officer - Forever BMXer USA BMX / BMX Canada American Bicycle Association

LEADERBOARD

Shows the PB times only for all riders with transponders from the start gate to the timing loops.

Open our.sqorz.com on a browser on your smartphone.

Bringing Sqorz timing

to USA BMX tracks.

https://our.sqorz.com

Select Your Track > Scroll down to Leader-boards.

Click on the Leaderboard you want to see.

Click on each column to sort in order from fastest first. Click on Show to display filter options, filter the results by:

l Age

l Track

l Bike type

l Gender

Or just show all times

Remember the Leaderboard shows PB times only, for all other times to go to My Sqorz.

“Live timing on the track has elevated my personal training and racing over the years. It provides insight and gives you real time data to track, allowing you to make informed decisions in training and now on race day. Bringing in Sqorz timing to USA BMX events will be both fun and functional for racers to elevate their performance.”

TRANSPONDER LOCATION

l Transponder is situated at the bottom of the forks.

l It must be placed vertically in line with the forks.

l Either side of the wheel is fine.

l The cap is usually at the top (numbers are upside down).

l Use 2 x cable ties to ensure the transponder does not fall off.

Note: Transponders are not rechargeable. MYLAPS will replace the transponder free of charge when the battery expires.

MY SQORZ

Shows all times for your transponder from any track in the USA that has Sqorz Timing System. Open my.sqorz.com on a browser on your smartphone.

Enter your transponder number. Sqorz - Home www.sqorz.com

Sqorz transfigures action on the track to powerful data. Feature packed and easy to use software for running BMX training and race events. A fully integrated solution utilising the latest technology and bringing live data to riders, spectators and event organisers via smartphones.

Contact details: Martin Ward martin@eventsoft.com.au cell: +61 414 818 450

Alise Willoughby: World Champion and Olympic Silver Medalist

May 5-7th

June 2-4th

June 23-25th

July 14-16th

July 21-23rd

August 4-6th

September 15-17th

October 6-8th

2023 BMX CANADA NATIONAL SCHEDULE

Fraser Valley Nationals

Borderline Nationals

Limestone Nationals

Rattler Nationals

Maple Leaf Nationals

*New England Nationals

Vancouver Island Nationals

Canadian Grands

Chilliwack, BC Heritage Park

Abbotsford, BC Abbotsford BMX

Kingston, ON Kingston BMX

Vernon, BC Vernon BMX

Milton, ON Milton BMX

Sandwich, MA Cape Cod BMX

Cumberland, BC Coal Hills BMX

Chilliwack, BC Heritage Park

*ALL NATIONALS ARE 3 DAYS* * USA BMX NATIONAL WITH CNAT/CNAG POINTS AVAILABLE

Some have been racing since January, others are just unthawing their race shoes, but all were ready for the USA BMX National series to join the Pacific Northwest once again at the First Interstate Bank Center. As the fans in the stand prepared for 245 motos on Saturday morning, the vibes were growing due to heavy hitters in the building.

The class to show them off? The Tangent Products National Pro/AM. Putting all those who dare to compete in the gate together, The Tangent Pro/ Ams have been gaining strength through the men’s class while starting to peak the interest of more and more Girls Club members each national weekend. Up in Oregon, the ladies to take the gate came out in force on Saturday, with Kira Boustead and Brooklyn Van Renslaar leading the battles. Going back and forth down the first straight, the seniority of Kira Boustead took over as she took the win and the cash for the lap. On the men’s side of the Pro/Am, Friday brought the veteran speed of Alan Hudson to the PNW in search of that big boy money as he repped his privateer kit. On the middle day of the weekend, the class spiced up as Peter Elizondo hunted down the Aussie Remix ride of Josh Jolly. Showing off his skills throughout the weekend, this was Jolly’s first introduction to the USA BMX

With a nickname like the “Ali-Frickin Gator” you know that race face means business into turn one.

Fresh off injury, Amaree Vick shows his comeback power in cruiser making it to his cruiser mains all three days.

Photos & words Justin Wahl

indoor builds, making his 17-20 sweep even more impressive. While he kept his lead in class, The Pistol saw his open-door invitation during Saturday’s Tangent Pro/Am to swoop low and steal away the win and the money from the big blue truck outside. With the action showing at the beginning of the Great Northwest main events, the racers itching to join the Pro/Am classes were preparing to show off their battles. The Pacific Northwest local Sophia SoPhast Rodriguez came out swinging in 13-14 Mixed open and 14x Girl. SoPhast took charge during her mains, grabbing the triple-double through Redmond, OR. While Rodriguez was solely on the 20” wheels, the 13-14 girls cruiser class had plenty of action. Former Girl Cruiser National No.1 Landon Burian and Vegas’ Preston Gould went wheel to wheel through the track until Saturday’s cruiser main, where Gould found the way around tying up their Oregon battle until Sunday, where Gould locked in the best-to-three battle in 13-14 girls cruiser.

The big wheel laps continued through the big boys of 36-40 Cruiser with World 1 Justin Wike and Andy Andree going across the line first and second on Saturday. Andree’s new Staystrong team has him looking fast on the back wheel of the world champ. A single class later was a dominating run of races by NorCal Next Generation’s Tarik Assagai. A Bike ahead of his 20” and 24” competitors by the first roller, Assagai continues to impress this season, making him the racer to beat as the season rolls on.

The dominators continued into the Expert classes. Factory LSG’s Peyton Spanel and Maddie Baird went back to back in 8x Girls and 9x Girls, charging to the front of

Makinzie Palmer charged through 1516x Girls aboard her high-vis orange Ssquared.

Eyes on the prize, going fast through the fun and fast rythym section with Grady Howard and Jared Yarbrough.

their competitors. Making moves at every part of the track, 12x Girls Mallory Aldridge found the fast side of the track setting through elbows and taking the lead to the finish line runout. Seeing that impressive move by Aldridge, 15x Ryder Santos wanted to join the elbowrubbing action as he dove inside in turn two, hitting the “bump and run special” to take the Saturday to win in a stacked class.

From the race day energy to the Redmond community, our time at the Great Northwest Nationals is always a highlight of our BMX season, especially when we get to witness the ice chunks break away from our northern racers and see their start to the racing season.

Nixon Thomson went full power mode throughout the final turn in 10x. On the come up the past couple races, Thomson is on the verge of that next step in his BMX career.

Asher De Armas utilizes that inside space in round one, landing him on the podium later on in the day for the 5 & Under Novice class.

March 24-26, 2023

First Interstate Bank Center Redmond, Oregon

Daisy Kettle leads and dominates the 15-16 Mixed Open class all the way to the win.

As fast as a Hall of Famer and forcing that motion blur in his quick entrance to turn two.

Double

While we love Bryan Shatswell III’s signature “Don’t Get Shatty’ed” monicker, we like seeing him leading into turn one even more.

2023 SCHEDULE

USA BMX WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS

MAR 18 SAN DIEGO,CA

APR 22 S. EL MONTE, CA

MAY 12 ST. CLOUD, FL

JUN 3 DESOTO, TX

JUN 24 CHARLOTTE, NC

AUG 19 GRANTS PASS, OR

SEP 2 DURANGO, CO

SEP 16 TULSA, OK

Photo Credit: @oweidemann

n December of 2010 I met with Pete Dylewski for lunch at Firehouse subs. Neither of us could have ever imagined how this simple lunch would change the course of my life and the history books of BMX racing. I was riding for Free Agent in 2009 and 2010, and at that time they already had a three man pro team consisting of Maris Strombergs, Kyle Bennett, and Christian Becerine. They could not make me a pro offer I was willing to accept and when I turned them down the phone rang, and it was Pete calling.

When we met for lunch Pete explained to me that he and Christophe Leveque were starting a bike company. I said “awesome, what is the name going to be?” and this is how that conversation went:

“Awesome, what is the name going to be?”

“We don’t have one yet”

“Well do you have a picture of the bike?”

“No”

“Do you have anything to show me?”

“No, but we want to partner with a rider that we can work with for their entire career. Someone we feel can help us as a brand but also help us make the best possible bike. Christophe wants to be the best, I want to be the best, we know you want to be the best, and if you partner with us, we can build something special.”

Christophe Leveque is widely known as the man who brought structured training to BMX racing. In the late 1990’s he was a force to be reckoned with. He holds two USABMX cups, and if not for a rule in the early

Words by Connor Fields

90’s stating a foreigner couldn’t win the cup, he would have three. The “Flyin Frenchman” was the reason the rule was changed to allow foreigners to be able to win the cup.

Pete has been involved in BMX racing since the 1990’s and has been the team manager for GT, Mongoose, Cyclecraft and Intense over the years. Working with names such as Gary Ellis, Randy Stumpfhouser, Eric Rupe, David Herman, and more.

Quote from Pete to include: “When I started at GT, I was originally hired to work in the marketing department, but the official position didn’t start for a few months from the day I was hired. I floated around, working in Customer Service, Quality Control, and in the warehouse, all while traveling to races with the

teams. While doing this, I learned almost all aspects of the GT business model, and it really gave me the knowledge of how a company was run. I learned also from the mistakes made and how the industry / customers expected a leader in the industry to operate and have been able to use lessons learned from them to this day.”

-

career.

Contract signed. Now what? We need a name. There were five people who cast a vote on what to name the bike. Two voted Chase and two voted something else. I was the deciding vote, and I went with Chase. Chase BMX was born.

I had torn my meniscus in 2010 and raced on it to finish out the season. I needed to get surgery to repair it in the off-season. This meant I would miss the opening nationals of 2011. That ended up being a blessing in disguise as it gave Christophe and Pete time to get the bikes organized and ready. When I made my season debut in 2011at the Great Salt Lake Nationals, we were ready to go and get a Chase RSP 1.0 on track for the first time.

Things escalated quickly from there with the brand (and me) getting its first win at the Chula Vista World Cup in October 2011, a Golden Crank for Rookie Pro of the year, and becoming legitimized as a brand.

Both 2012 and 2013 were years of continued improvement and growth, with the brand winning its first titles, making its Olympic debut in London and continuing to add more products to the BMX Racing Group family. After a couple of seasons, I reupped with the team on a four year deal from 2013-2016.

I was the only rider on the “team” for three years but in 2014 the Brand decided to add Joris Daudet to the team. Joris, being French, was now riding for the original “Flying Frenchman”.

But it wasn’t all sunshine and rainbows.

2014 was the worst season of my career. I won one race that year, the USA Cycling National Championships. It was the only season between 2012-2021 that I didn’t win a single USABMX race. Joris had one of his worst years of his career that year as well, also not winning a single round. When you ride for one of the greatest to ever do it, Christophe Leveque, that is not acceptable. There is a reason Christophe is one of only a handful of riders painted on the walls of the Hall of Fame in Tulsa.

Joris and I received an email after the 2014 season basically telling us that

if we had a season like this again, we were fired.

Well, the email worked. Between Joris and I, Chase has won every single USA BMX title since receiving that email.

The team has grown since those early days, with Izaac Kennedy coming in to replace my seat, and in the coming years 32 year old Joris will be retiring and vacating his seat. Knowing Christophe and the standard for the team, they will only be

looking for the best of the best to take that seat.

It is remarkable to look at the rise of Chase BMX and the BMX Racing Group brands and I think it is a great reminder to put your trust in people and partnerships. See you at the races.

CF11

2023 Usa Bmx Freestyle National Series

FEB 3-4 ROUND 1 IN OVIEDO CITY, FLORIDA

MAr 17-18 ROUND 2 IN SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA

APR 21-22 ROUND 3 IN TULSA, OKLAHOMA

MAY 19-21 ROUND 4 IN WOODWARD, PENNSYLVANIA

JUN 16-17 ROUND 5 IN SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH

AUG 18-19 ROUND 6 IN DENVER, NORTH CAROLINA

SEP 22-23 ROUND 7 IN ROYAL OAK, MICHIGAN

OCT 20-22 FINALS IN WOODWARD WEST

Presented by

ROUND Three: Tulsa, Oklahoma

PRESENTED BY:

WORDS: tonyd / PHOTOS: ....

For two years now, we’ve been trying to have a comp in Tulsa...which also now doubles as the new homebase of USA BMX.

The fine folks at the Gathering Place let us take over their amazing bike park for a fun-filled weekend. Most were able to head over to the USA BMX HQ to experience what the new facility offers...including the Hall of Fame Museum.

Thanks to all who were a part of it. We’re already looking forward to next year.

- tonyd

RIGHT:

>>> The return of Aryei Levenson. After a crazy two years of injuries, Aryei has rejoined the series and picked up where he left off...first place in Expert Men. Many, including S&M’s Chris Moeller are saying Aryei is the next big thing. We have to agree.

ABOVE:

Quickie Mart is Tulsa’s amazing homebase for all things Action Sports... Quickie Mart also sponsors this cat, Justin Lobb. While Justin brushed death with a flat bottom bowl slam during his runs, he managed to walk it off and be on hand for the Quickie Mart Team to accept their third Team Title Award.

RIGHT:

Most improved rider from 22-23? That would be Ohio’s Aaden Reed. The 15-30 Class rider went from mid-pack to top of the food chain in the off season. It looks like companies like J Walker Apparel, Dans Comp, ODI and Monster Army have taken notice.... first place in Tulsa.

LEFT:

Haro’s Keir Sirlin is on an upward trajectory. She’s heading across the pond to try her hand in International Competition at the FISE Montpellier Comp in France. Maybe her riding will continue to catch the eyes of Team USA...

RESULTS:

12 & OVER WOMEN

1. Keir Sirlin

2. Jessica Ausec

3. Charlie Berry

8 & UNDER MEN

1. Huck Kurinsky

2. Dominick Tremello

9-10 MEN

1. Steele Sirlin

11-14 MEN

1. Connor Stitt

2. Cullen Sumner

3. Stryker Church

4. Trenton Alexander

5. Richard Hoggan

15-30 MEN

1. Aaden Reed

2. Shawn Underwood

3. Carter Graham

4. Fate Snyder

5. AJ Morris

6. Justin Lobb

31-39 MEN

1. Drew Jackson

2. Michael Allen

3. Steve Carr

4. Zac Church

EXPERT MEN

1. Aryei Levenson

2. Colin Akerman

3. Logan Wallace

4. Dravin Groove

MASTERS MEN

1. Corey Bradley

2. David Seidell

3. Bryan Osborne

4. Dave Hoffmann

5. JW Snyder

6. Tim Fergerson

TOP:

Series newcomer Cullen Sumner basically showed up out of nowhere and placed second in the uber-competitive 11-14 Men’s class. We sure hope Cullen makes it to a few more comps. His style is amazing.

BOTTOM:

Mike likes bikes. Those are his words...Michael Allen seems to podium at each stop and will be in contention for the 31-39 Men National Title come October 21st at Woodward West.

>>> Corey Bradley...what a funny story: Friday night after practice, we receive an email that “her husband would like to sign up for tomorrow’s comp”. We explain that practice is over and he’d have a 10min warm up and that’s it for practice. “Ok, see you in the morning”. End result: Corey Bradley first place in Masters Men. He downright shredded the place.

>>> We’re 99% sure this is Double Agent Trenton Alexander...who also races. Was awesome to see him join the Freestyle family fourth in 11-14 Men.

BOTTOM LEFT TO RIGHT:

>>> The current King of the 11-14 Mens class, Hyper’s Connor Stitt. Style for miles, y’all.

>>> Tim Fergerson...mechanic, carpenter, professional compulsive talker, team manager, bicycle repair man, father, husband, former skullet rocker, trick team show coordinator and all around good human. Hyper likes him and wanted the 100 bucks to go to him...plus a brand new Hyper frame. Lucky.......

Big hill speed taken to a new level with a big class of U23 Women charging down the first straight. Mckenzie Gayheart, Jacy Moore, and Breanna Winter had a great battle which continued throught the rest of the UCI Sunday schedule.

or the first time in a few years, we are back at Rock Hill with a three day national. The last few times we were here there was a World Qualifier kicking off the weekend. Even without the World Qualifier, we were still in for some long race days at the track. The weekend started off nice, but in typical Rock Hill fashion, the weather changed Saturday morning to rain and lightning, putting the racing on hold during the open classes for a couple of hours. Later Saturday, it was much nicer out, but the wind kicked up and made it tough for the classes that were running on the big hill. Sunday the weather was back to normal, and the moto’s ran quickly. The moto count was in the mid 300’s all weekend and did not fluctuate very much from day to day.

This was the third stop in the USA BMX Pro Series, and the Pros did not have it easy this weekend. The weather was not working in their favor on Saturday and Sunday. Saturday was the worst day of the weekend to be on the big hill due to the super high winds, but Sunday was still very windy. Saturday was so windy that the Pros didn’t even run on the big second straight. In Women’s Pro on Friday, Alise Willoughby won, followed by Payton Ridenour and Felicia Stancil. Saturday was different, as Alise didn’t race and Payton Ridenour got her first Women Pro win, followed by Felicia Stancil in second and Delany Vaughn in

third. The Men’s Pro finishing order on Friday was Joris Daudet in first, Bodi Turner second, followed by Joseph Leto in third. Saturday it looked like Joris Daudet had a bad start in the main and never recovered, Cameron Wood won, Sylvain Andre came in second and Izaac Kennedy finished third.

Sundays UCI Pro event had better conditions than Saturday, but it was still really windy. Women’s Elite finished in the following order, Alise Willoughby in first, Lauren Reynolds in second and Delany Vaughn in third. In Men’s Elite, Jeremy Smith took first, Kamren Larsen second and Bodi Turner was third.

In 8 & Under Girls Cruiser Leah Hegberg won on Day One and Three but on Day Two Remy Sessa took the early lead and went on to win. Starting at 9-10 Girls Cruiser, all the way up to 13-14 Girls Cruiser, the same girl won all three days starting with Malia Alvarez, Eliza Newton and Taya Boecker. The 15-16 Girls Cruiser rider Kylee Niederberger won on Day One, but Alexis Alden won on Day’s Two and Three. Mila Kelly and Haylee Brown won all three days in 1720 and 21-30 Women’s Cruiser respectively. Taylor Bensinger won on Day’s Two and Three in 31-35 Women’s Cruiser. Sarah Strayer won on Day’s One and Two in 36-40 Women’s Cruiser, but Alysia Mitchell won on Day Three. From 41-45 Women’s Cruiser,

words & photos James Pennucci

Full pull position with Avery Chartrand and Kylee Niederberger as they find the fast backside over the third straight step up.

Grayson Greer from the True BMX squad adds a little flair to his manual going into turn three.

up to 56 & Over Women’s Cruiser, the same woman won all three days starting with Sonia Badanik, Jennifer Bitz and Cynthia Pappas.

Eight Cruiser rider Alessio Improta won on Day’s One and Two, but on Day Three Hutch Griffith won. Heston Novotny won on Day’s One and Two in 9 Cruiser, but on Day Three Depler Williams won. In 9 Cruiser Jackson

W1 Cedric Cade continues to impress as the young gun in 17-20x, just a couple months into the class, and Cade has settled in to battling and leading some of the fastest ams in the country.

Scoggins won on Day’s One and Two but on Day Three Cruz Gallegos got the early lead and won. Jaxson Howell won on Day’s One and Three in 10 Cruiser but on Day Two Cody Young made it to the first turn ahead of Howell and went on to win. Jacob Theisen won in 11 Cruiser on Day’s One and Two, but on Day Three Marshall Warner had a great gate and no one was able to pass him after that. Twelve Cruiser rider Sean Lehew was able to fend off second place rider Lucas Theisen on Day One, but on Day’s Two and Three Theisen won. Rowdy Holzer won in 13 Cruiser on Day’s One and Three but on Day Two Mario Brattoli won. Cash Strickland won on Day’s One and Three in 14 Cruiser however on Day Two Gavin Menditto won. Brady Oneil won on Day’s One and Two in 15 Cruiser, but on Day Two James Irwin took the lead in turn one and was able to hold it until the finish.

In 16 Cruiser, rider Cole Kopczyk won on Day’s One and Two, but on Day Three he crashed in the first turn and Elliot Leners missed the pileup and was able to easily win. It is no surprise that 17-20 Cruiser had a different winner each day. Starting on Day One, Foster Henderson won, Benny Sereni won on Day Two and Andrew Herrera won on Day Three. Yavant

Hausler won on Day’s One and Two of 21-25 Cruiser but on Day Three Haulser and Thomas Missal battled around the track and in the end Missal won. Evan Gresham won all three days in 31-35 Cruiser. Brandon Kintzler won on Day One of 36-40 Cruiser, but Joshua Phillips won on Day’s Two and Three. In 41-45 Cruiser, Chris Monasmith won on Day’s One and Two, but on Day Three Paulo Moreira pushed Monasmith up in the second turn and was able to keep the lead and win. Gonzalo Bertolini won in 45-50 Cruiser on Day’s One and Two, but on Day Three Matt Moberly was able to get out front and hold off Bertolini for the win. Drew Motley won in 51-55 Cruiser on Day’s Two and Three, on Day

That’s a lot of speed in one straight, but the outside pull from Daylight’s Corben Sharrah was shining bright in Rock Hill.

One there was a pile up in turn one and Domingos Lammoglia won. John Pringle won on Days One and Two, but on Day Three Scott Sloan won at the line in 56-60 Cruiser. Harry Leary won all three days in 61 & Over Cruiser.

Addalyn Hardy won all three days in 5 & Under Girls Expert as did Joi Gonzales in 6 Girls Expert. Briella Salemme won on Day One in 7 Girls Expert, but Avanna George won the next two days. Peyton Spanel won on Day One in 8 Girls Expert, Daisy Noyola on Day Two and Remy Sessa on Day Three.

Malia Alvarez won all three days in 9 Girls Expert, Gabriella Dyer won all three days in 10 Girls Expert and Sharick Salguero won all three days in 11 Girls Expert. Lauren Rodriguez won on Day One of 12 Girls Expert, but Marianna Pena won the next two days. Guadalupe Palacios won all three days in 13 Girls Expert, Taya Boecker won all three days in 14 Girls Expert, and Alexis Alden won all three days in 15-16 Girls Expert. Esja Shriver won Day One in 17-20 Women Expert, Manuela Munoz Velez won on Day Two and Jacy Moore won on Day Three. Kaitlyn Wahl won all three days in 21-30 Women Expert, Taylor Bensinger won all three days in 31-40, Morgan Brady won all three days in 41-50 and Cynthia Pappas won all three days in 51 & Over Women Expert.

Another impressive weekend for Alise Willoughby as she takes home the Friday and Sunday wins after sitting out Saturday’s racing.

From 5 & Under Expert to 8 Expert, the same rider won all three days, Jethro Salva, Jude Melvin, Hutch Griffith, and Heston Novotny. Murilo Moratelli beat Coye Weidner at the line in 9 Expert on Day One, but Weidner was able to win the next two days. Preston George won all three days in 10 Expert. On Day One in 11 Expert there was a big pile up on the second straight and Henry Leners was able to get a big lead and win. Wyatt Christensen won the next two days. Lucas Darriba won all three days in 12 Expert. Rowdy Holzer won on Day’s One and Three and RJ

Both fast, both stylish, with Nick Quintana and Marshall Gehrke.

A stacked moto all around. With Cam Wood on your outside and Rico Bearman on your inside, Joris Daudet used all five of his title winning experiences to get into the lead.

Crawford won on Day Two in 13 Expert. On Day One In 14 Expert Tommy Bruney got the early lead and Chris Felker was unable to pass him, Felker won the next two days. On Day One in 15 Expert Brady Oneil got underneath Joaquin Salum in the first turn and was able to hold off Salum and get the win, But Oneil went on to win the next two days. In 16 Expert Sean Day won all three days. On Day One in 17-20 Expert Drew Polk was able to get out front early and no one could catch him, but on Days Two and Three Brody Cole got out front and no one could catch him. Noah Barton won all three days in 21-25 Expert, Nicolas Palacios Munoz won all three days in 21-25 Expert and Carlos Manrique-Montesinos also won all three days in 36-40 Expert. Greg Custer got tangled up with another rider in the first turn on Day One and Luciano Correa Roque won, but Custer won the next two days. In 46-50 Expert Gonzalo Bertolini won all three days. Domingos Lammoglia was able to outrun Renato Silva on the first straight and he kept that lead and won, Renato won the next two days. Harry Leary won all three days in 56 & Over Expert.

Lily Sutherland goes bar to bar with Taya Boecker in 14x Girl. Both dominators of the class, the 14x ladies have been a must watch race at every stop of the National tour.

The Vet battle gets a little spice with KJ Romero calling out the champ and backing it up with his first Vet Pro win on his home turf.

Getting Wikid with Kai Gray and fellow 10x racer

The NineFive legacy lives on with Willow Nobles taking on her first National race in the Balance Bike class. Luckily she has a good coach with Vet Pro and newly named factory dad, Barry Nobles.

March 31-April 2, 2023 Rock Hill BMX Supercross

Double

PULL BMX Magazine 47

MAKE 7 MAINS - WIN AN OPEN JACKET!

Make seven Open Main Events (within the same calendar year) at any USA BMX Nationals and you will win an Open Jacket!

OP GUN JACKET

Get four wins in Class, four wins in Cruiser, and four wins in Open at any USA BMX National (within the same calendar year), and you become a USA BMX Top Gun!

One of the most anticipated moments of BMX happened this weekend when James Johnson and Mason Monegro, crossed the finish line at the same time. On Saturday morning during first round of 12 Cruiser, Johnson pushed Jack Markham up in the last turn earning a second-place spot as Monegro cut under them causing the two to enter the last straight neck and neck. They fought down the last straight for the second transfer spot and crossed the finish line at the same exact time. In the moment, Johnson was announced as the transfer. The officials then went back and watched the replay from the finish line camera. When Bill Morris reviewed the footage, he saw that the two boys had crossed the finish line at the exact same time, giving no clear indication to who got the spot. Which leads us to the question; who gets the transfer? Since the footage gave them no clear answer as to who got the transfer, the spot was given to the rider that both scorers initially thought got the transfer. So, in the end the last transfer spot was given to James Johnson.

The forecast for the weekend said there was a chance of rain Thursday through Saturday. The Thursday practice got cancelled causing there to be only one day of practice. Friday’s race and practice happened with no delay, even though it rained on and off all day. This caused many crashes in the turns throughout the day, resulting in many riders getting different places then they would under normal conditions. Saturday’s conditions were better than the previous ones, however, it still rained a bit in the beginning of the day. Sunday had the best weather out of the four days. The only time it rained was towards the end of the races.

This weekend had over 200 motos, despite being only a week apart from the national in Rock Hill. This year’s turnout was also surprising because the moto count had increased by almost 50 motos over the last two years.

words Riley Pennucci / photos James Pennucci

The Albe’s Benie Brigade took the track and styled the pits in Georgia. These three ladies are absolute killers for the Albe’s Bike Shop making them ones to continue to watch as their speed only gets faster.

the HRP ride at the end of 2022.

The Pro Am’s Day One podium’s finishing order was Brody Cole, Cameron Moore, and Brayan Querales. On Day Two the Woman’s Pro Am finished in this order Alexis Alden, who didn’t lose a lap all weekend, Shelby Elder and Devin Murphy. The Men’s Day Two finishing order was Jholman Sivira, Nolan Cardwell and Brayan Querales.

In 8 & Under Girls Crusier, Yuna Turner won both Friday and Saturday, but on Sunday, Ameilia Dowdy got a lead on the first straight and held it to the end. In 9-10 Girls Cruiser Malia Alvarez won all three days. In 11-12 Girls Cruiser, Sophia Tilley got first place, after passing Danica Appenzeller, who won the next two days. Kenadie Neelan won all three days of 13-14 Girls Cruiser. Alexis Alden didn’t lose a lap in 15-16 Girls Cruiser. Peyton Pulaski won 17-20 Women Cruiser on Friday and Sunday, but on Saturday Mila Kelly got a good start and kept her lead until the end.

In 7 & Under Cruiser Damien Reyes won Friday and Weston Hicks won the next two days. Heston Novotny won the first two days of 8 Cruiser and Ronan Eddy won the third. Trenton Paxman won all three days of 9 Cruiser. Jaxsyn Horne won 10 Cruiser on Friday after going under Cody Young in turn one. Young then went on to win the next two days.

In 11 Cruiser Marshall Warner won both Friday and Saturday, but on

Rock on and go fast. That’s the name of the game for the girl’s club and especially Angelina Tacti and Samantha Williamson.

Full

A big showing from the Clayborn crew also brought a great weekend for Sawyer Sides in 15x.

concentration for Factory LSG’s Ace Novy. With a fast second straight all weekend long “The Bean” is ready for a killer rest of the season.

Sunday Max Meinel got a good lead and Warner slid out in turn two chasing him down. Sean Lehew won all three days of 12 Cruiser. Evan Douglass won Friday and Sunday in 13 Cruiser and Mario Brattoli won on Saturday with a huge lead. In 14 Cruiser Rowdy Holzer won the first two days and Gavin Menditto won the third. Cash Strickland won the first two days of 15 Cruiser, however, on the third day RJ Hancock dove under him in the last turn and kept the win. In 16 Cruiser Cade McConnell won Friday and Sean Nicosia won the next two days. Drake Velador won all three days of 17-20 Cruiser.

In 5 & Under Girls Expert Addalyn Hardy won all three days. Henley Greer won the first two days of 6 Girls Expert and Alexis Southwell won the third day. Charlie Gay won Friday and Sunday of 7 Girls Expert, however, on Sunday Avanna George won after passing Gay on the last straight. Ameri Devera won the first two days of 8 Girls Expert and on Sunday Daisy Noyola got a good lead from the start and held it to the end. Maila Alvarez won all three days of 9 Girls Expert. In 10 Girls Expert Vida De Vera won Friday and Saturday and would have won Sunday if her crank didn’t fall off going into the second turn causing Savannah Ambroziak to take the lead. Harper Vescuso won 11 Girls Expert and Kylie Shatswell won the next two days. In 12 Girls Expert Kendell Ehlen won all three days. Mia Custer won the first two days of 13 Girls Expert, however, on Sunday she and Addison Thompson bumped bars and Thompson fell causing Vivian Williams to flip over her and letting Camryn Searfoss speed by and take the win. Avery Jones won the first two days in 14 Expert Girls, but on Sunday Kenadie Neelan passed her at the line. In 15-16 Girls, Alexis Alden never lost a lap. Manuela Munoz Velez won all three days of 17-20 Women Expert. In 21-30 Women Expert Kaitlyn Wahl won on Friday and Sunday but on Saturday Devin Murphy won

In 5 and Under Expert Lucas Aleman won Friday and Sunday, however, on Saturday Elijah Van Gelder came out in first and held it through the whole race. Jude Melvin won all three days of 6 Expert. Hutch Griffith won the first two days of 7 Expert, but on Sunday, Dexter Redmond had a good gate and kept his lead to the line. Heston Novotny won Friday and Sunday, but on Saturday he was pushed over the last turn by Ronan Eddy who then took the win. Greyson Sneed won all three days of 9 Expert. Preston George won 10 Expert on Saturday and Sunday and on the first day Kenji Goto pushed up the first place rider and took the win. Noah Williams won both Saturday and Sunday and Max Meinel took the win on Friday.

Big wheel talent lined up across the board with Evan Menditto, Foster Henderson, and Ian Davis.

The power wheelie charge reached new levels with ROC 1 Renato Silva charging out of turn one.

ODI Style King, Drake Velador shows off this whips on the very jump that led him to his style crown.

The Mohawk known around the world, Vida De Vera continues to go fast on both her 20” & 24”.

Tatum Pierce and Lilani Pringle charge into battle as they go bar to bar in 13-14 Girl Cruiser.

Wyatt Hicks won all three days of 12 Expert. In 13 Expert RJ Crawford took the win all three days. Tommy Bruney won the last two days of 14 Expert, but on Friday, he was pushed up the second turn by Griffin Kelleher who then won. In 15 Expert there was a different winner each day, the first days winner was Even Zeil, the second days winner was Ryder Santos, and the final days winner was Joe Drawnek. In 16 Expert Mathew Weerts won Friday and Saturday, but on Sunday he got stuck on the outside and Mathew Brewer ended up winning. Tyler Henry won Friday and Sunday in 17-20, but on Sunday he came unclipped before turn two and let Drew Polk take the win after pushing up Brody Cole in the last turn. In 21-25 Expert Kit Bjerk won Saturday and Sunday, but on Friday Dylan Simms won after passing Bjerk at the line.

April 14-16, 2023

Cobb County BMX

Powder Springs, Georgia

Double

Ameri De Vera 7-8 Mixed Open 8 Girls Expert

Kendall Ehlen 11-12 Mixed Open 12 Girls Expert

Henley Greer 6 & Under Mixed Open 6 Girls Expert

Bonnie Hutelin 51-55 Women Cruiser 51 & Over Women Expert

Jackson Langley 15-16 Mixed Open 17-20 Intermediate

Kenadie Neelan 13-14 Girls Cruiser 14 Girls Expert

Heston Novotny 8 Cruiser 8 Expert

Daisy Noyola 7-8 Mixed Open 8 Girls Expert

Kaitlyn Wahl 17-20 Mixed Open 21-30 Women Expert

Evan Ziel 15-16 Open 15 Expert

Double x 2

Alexis Alden 15-16 Girls Cruiser

15-16 Girls Expert

Vida De Vera 9-10 Mixed Open 10 Girls Expert

Eric Rupe 56-60 Cruiser 56 & Over Expert

Double x 3

Malia Alvarez 9-10 Girls Cruiser 9 Girls Expert

Gonzalo Bertolini 46-50 Cruiser 46-50 Expert

Wyatt Hicks 11-12 Open 12 Expert

Corey Willert 36-40 Cruiser 36-40 Expert

Triple

Alexis Alden Pro-Am - Women

15-16 Girls Cruiser

15-16 Girls Expert

2023 NATIONAL POINTS After the Lumberjack Nationals

WOMEN PRO

GIRLS

GIRLS CRUISER

GIRLS

BOYS

Photos & Interview By Kyle Carlson

Dan Foley makes riding a BMX bike look really good. He also makes BMX videos look really good. Coincidence? Probably not…

Dan balances riding professionally and creating top-notch video content at a level that is difficult to comprehend. We caught up with Dan to learn about how this started, how this is maintained, and what keeps him pushing both…

How old were you and how did you first get into riding BMX?

I started really riding BMX when I was eight. I had a friend in the neighborhood I’d roll around with - jumping off anything we could find. He would go race on the weekends at a track that used to be nestled in the middle of the Moto track at Budds Creek in Maryland. One weekend, my dad took me to join and it just snowballed after that.

How old were you and how did you first get into filming?

I was probably around 14. A friend of mine got a video camera and we started messing around with it when we’d go riding. We originally filmed stuff just to see what we were doing, but then that wasn’t enough and it just kept progressing.

How would you describe the journey of going from a kid who liked riding BMX to becoming a pro rider?

It was honestly pretty organic and linear and I’m extremely grateful for that. I’ve had a strong passion for riding since the beginning, so I naturally wanted to ride all the time. My parents were super supportive and made it easy for me to do. Plus, there were enough things to ride locally to keep progressing - shout out to Ben Hittle for the countless ramp sessions. When you ride all the time, push yourself a little bit, and have a strong support system in place, you inevitably get better. Moving to Greenville for college played a big role, too. I got to ride some of the best parks in the world with some of the best riders. Combine all this with the aid of some of the established riders in the Greenville scene like Colin Mackay and Allan Cooke and the stars aligned. I’m so thankful for all of it!

How would you describe the journey of going from a kid who liked filming to doing it professionally?

Replace “riding” with “filming” in my previous answer - haha. I just kept with it and got a little better with each little project I did. Living and going to school in Greenville helped me learn quite a bit both through classes and through actu-

al experience shooting with local riders. By the time I graduated, I had started selling small videos to BMX media outlets like Vital BMX and it’s been rolling ever since.

What is your relationship like with riding today?

I love it just as much as always. It still gives me a feeling like nothing else does and gives me my most honest outlet to express myself. I don’t quite ride as much as I once did due to work and it being a little harder on my body, but the feeling it gives me is still comparable to when I was eight-years-old and just starting. The desire to progress and feel more connected to my bike is still very present, too.

What is your relationship like with filming today?

It’s all over the place with the variety it throws at me and I love that. Some of it is definitely work, but some of it is definitely passion. Things like shooting the USA BMX Freestyle Series are a good mix of both. It’s busy work, but it’s documenting the up-and-coming blood of BMX, which is incredible. When I’m not working on projects for other people or companies, I go shoot footage of myself riding and that really keeps the passion flame alive through everything else. It’s like going out solo on a treasure hunt and, if I get a clip, it’s like a little piece of personal gold.

Did you go to college for film?

Kind of. Technically, it was a communications degree with a concentration in media production, but I still learned plenty about shooting and editing. I went to East Carolina University and graduated in 2012.

How did that influence what you do today?

It helped me get my foot in the door both as a pro rider and videographer in the BMX industry due to the university being in Greenville. There was a huge BMX scene there from the late 90s into the 2010s, so it was a unique opportunity to learn about video stuff in school while also being in the perfect spot to progress my riding.

The little groms of the Stacyc World Championships charge through Whittier Narrows BMX for the second stop of the series. As the rigs rolled up to the legendary California track, the USA BMX and Stacyc staff were eager to

watch the future of two wheels test out and dominate the track.

From series regular Mavis Alessi dominating the field once again in the 4 Yr 12eDRIVE class to Brair Dyar joining the series in the 3 Yr division, the little rippers were throttling down like the 450 championship was on the line. Whether they were new comers or series veterans, the kids of the weekend weren’t nearly as stoked as the parents and staff who watched on as the racers dominated the track from gate to finish. Will you be joining the next stop of the Stacy World Series?

by Gmo

I cannot believe that it’s been 10 years since we published the Mini Mayhem issue. The original idea behind that issue was my quest to build my then two-year old son Amaree a sub 10 pound bike. That journey became an obsession which ended with a 7.68 pound bike that he raced for two years (and skidded holes in several expensive tubular tires along the way). He’s now a 12 Expert that has won at the national level and is sponsored by the reigning Golden Crank Team of the Year – Factory Rift-Tangent. I never could have imagined that when I got that frame in the mail a decade ago. I also didn’t know how that issue would influence the industry to start building part sizes that didn’t exist prior. Before that issue published, you couldn’t buy a Pico or Nano sized frame off the shelf. You also couldn’t buy a Raycelite gear, a brake lever to fit a threeyear old’s hand, or even pedals that properly fit their little feet.

With today’s innovation from companies like Rennen Design Group, Helium and Bombshell, I have no doubt that I could easily knock off enough weight to get Amaree’s bike down into the 6 pound club and it would absolutely be a raceable machine. Bombshell even offers a sub 10 pound complete bike, a feat that I never thought I’d see a manufacturer offer. With carbon and 3d printing technology rapidly changing the manufacturing process, I can only imagine where we’ll be 10 years from now.

Costa’s 5 Pounder

When this issue was released 10 yrs ago, I was in the middle of a build of my son Rayce’s first bike. At the time, I was TM of Answer/Rennen and attempted to integrate as many sponsor components as possible. This required major modification on the total build but the result was a 7.1 pound bike that was eventually featured in the Pull July 2015 issue. This project build consumed all of my time for a period of about six months. Eventually, to get down to this weight, I developed a new gear called the “Raycelite” which became the lightest production gear ever made and a staple now of the factory dad movement. My son raced this bike from the age of four to six years-old, so the integrity of the build needed to be there and one of the unique features I introduced on this build was custom made kevlar spokes. At the time, I created a unique stem design in which I only prototyped for my son’s bike, which was 25mm in length and 40g in mass, which was unheard of at the time. This stem design remained shelved up until the construction of the building we are in now. This original project bike I made for my son has been the inspiration

for Rennen’s Hydrogen product line. Once better manufacturing equipment was purchased, we have since released the Industry’s lightest products across multiple categories. Currently the Raycelite gear, Ultralite Bottom Bracket, Ultralite Stem, Ultralite Spider, Hive Cranks and Lite N Axle bolts are the lightest products you can buy.

For this new build, I knew I had to raise the bar. My predecessors, who submitted bikes in the 6 pound range, set the target. I wanted to do better, but this would not be easy, but this time around Rennen is well equipped with high quality CNC machines, prior experience, and a wild imagination. One restriction I imposed was to not modify existing Rennen Hydrogen line products. Doing so would definitely make this build lighter, but refraining from doing so shows how much can be reduced by integrating off the shelf products.

The Build: I was hopeful to break the 6 pound mark but surprised myself to have hit 5.31 pounds (2410g). The build is based off and uses the frame my son rode when he was younger. The following is a breakdown of the components used and what was modified.

Frame: Ssquared Micro Mini (heavily modified)

Fork: Ikon mini Carbon Fork (only steerer cut to size)

Headset: Custom made Teflon

Cranks: Rennen Hive 90mm

BB: Rennen Ultralite 95mm

Stem: Rennen Ultralite 25mm

Chainring: Raycelite 30T

Chain: Rennen Prototype Ultralite

Aluminum chain

Cog: Answer Alumlite 12T

Tires: Tufo S3 Tubular

Rims: Generic Aluminum Tubular compatible (heavily modified)

Front Hub: Rennen Prototype 14 hole (hubless)

Rear Hub: Answer Alumlite 28 hole (heavily modified)

Spokes: Front 14 Kevlar Custom made

Spokes: Rear 7 Kevlar Custom made Non Drive, 14 Titanium drive side

Pedals: AEST magnesium with Ti spindles (Heavily modified)

Brake: AEST Vbrake (slightly modified)

Brake Lever: aceoffix carbonAL (slightly modified)

Brake housing: Power Cordz

Bars: Custom Carbon straight

Grips: Lizard Skins (Cut down)

Seat: Answer mini (Heavily modified with custom carbon post)

My original build 9 years ago sparked the development of the Rennen Hydrogen product line and this current build is testing what’s possible and the potential for future products.

Notable features:

7075 Aluminum Chain: I actually attempted to make this chain during the first build but ran into many issues and produced about 8

inches of chain but my equipment at the time wasn’t suitable. A few years after making the chain segment I was conducting tensile tests of chain candidates for Answer BMX at University of Massachusetts Dartmouth engineering lab (where I did my undergrad) and got the chance to test this prototype chain. It failed with 500 pound of force and steel chains tested range from 2000 lbs-2600 pounds. We routinely have 50 pound riders on the same chains we have 200 pound plus riders use, so using this logic I believe this chain would be suitable for riders up to 50 pounds, but this needs to be tested. The final weight of the chain came in at 64g; the steel chain that was originally on this bike weighed 149g. I may release this as a product as I have a reliable method of manufacture now, but pricing and availability is TBD.

Shell-less Front Hub:

I have to credit this design to Shannon Gillette at USA BMX, he is my go to for old school bike part references and knowledge. He frequently sends me photos from magazines showing weird designs or prototypes tried in years past. Sometime last year he sent a magazine spy shot photo of a rider in the late 80’s testing a front hub design that had no shell, just the flanges, and I thought to myself that is totally doable with a modern approach. The design is simplistic with just a flange, bearing and a center nut. I repurposed the bearings we manufacture for our Ultralite BB and designed a minimalist flange, along with the center axle/nut to hold it all together. I repurposed our aluminum BB spindle bolts to hold the assembly together. The result is a front hub which weighs 34g total. One caveat to this approach is that it relies on the structural integrity of the IKON carbon fork and the wheel has to be built on the fork, for that reason it’s an impractical design but this was more a demonstration of what is possible. I also must thank Pete Dylewski of BRG for providing their fork for this build. The IKON carbon mini fork is currently the lightest available on the market.

Overall, I really enjoyed being able to do this build and appreciate the invitation by PULL to contribute to this article. It shows where design and technology can push the limits on what is possible, this is my design philosophy here at Rennen. The original article from May 2013 PULL was titled “In search of the 6 pound mini”, well we found it and then some. This build is dedicated to all the Factory Dads out there, remember every gram is worth saving.

-Costa

FACTORY ANSWER

Danica Anderson

Kayden Clark

Anthony Deblasio

Landon Donnelly

Maci Fry

Marshall Gehrke

Preslie Gould

Ryleigh Herrera

Howard Johnson

Chloe Kappen

Jeremy Knapper

Justin Knapper

Kaleb Mccain

Karter Montellano

Kylee Niederberger

Carson Nuhn

Spencer Reaux

Lauren Reynolds

Al Roybal

Tanner Sebesta

Chad Street

Lily Sutherland

Chris Sutton

Jacob Trujillo

Daniel Waters

Coye Weidner

TEAM STANDINGS

After the Lumberjack Nationals

RACE

Money Hopson took it straight through the finishline for a Friday win in 15x.

DAAAY and Cassh

Brandon Coyour and Grafton Merriam power down the first straight in 10 Cruiser.

Waiting for your moto to be staged, getting a glimpse of racing from the shoots, and fist bumping your fellow racers before loading into the gate. Those pre-race rituals have been experienced by many throughout the years, but at the Cajun Nationals, the photographer joined in to once again share those rituals.

Generally, for me, Justin Wahl, I watch the action through the photographer’s lens, seeing different lines and moves develop from the infield or in the photographer’s steps behind the turn. But once a year, the camera is switched for a bike, and I can experience the race like many of you. The race day festivities kick off, and the nervousness set in; what did I get myself into?

Round one comes and goes, “That’s okay. I’m a secondround kind of guy.” Knowing the dirt here in West Monroe is some of the sandiest on the circuit, anything can happen in these turns, and that it did. A semi-athletic roll and scramble out of turn one, put the media guy into the main ready to be a part of the main event show.

The real show began, and it started with two of the fastest on the National scene out front. “Double A” Alexis Alden and Brody Cole took their speed to the Tangent Pro/Am classes with dominating laps. As Cole was locked and loaded in the gate, our eyes drifted to the true vibes of the weekend. Behind the gate, Lily Ashley and Casen Myers were doing their pre-race handshake, which obviously worked as the Texan went on to triple on the day.

The National No.1 Girl Cruiser was one of many to sweep each of their race days in Louisiana. As I took photos and

brought the racing action to the phones of BMX fans, I noticed J&R Bicycles’ Malia Alvarez continued to win. And win. And win, all the way up to her final Sunday race. Malia went for the full nine-pack completing the tripletriple and locking in her final national scores.

Tossing on my Fly Racing jersey and preparing my legs to get an off-the-couch wake-up call for the second main event of the weekend, I saw a stripe of red, white, and black wizz by the third straight. Who was that? Was it a figment of my imagination, or was that the NAG 9 bike of Payton Johnson charging to a back-to-back 10x girls wins? It was the latter, and she was MOVING in West Monroe. Even though I almost missed her main on Saturday, I made sure to watch on Sunday as she completed the 10x girl sweep and impressed this media guy enough to forget to warm up ahead of his own race. Observing the fast ladies of the weekend charge through the track, each class gave it their all. Henly Greer and Teagan Leeper went bar to bar each lap to double AA, one class away from a quadruple race day. She won Pro/Am, won cruiser, and won class, making a 15-16 Mixed open win the only class missing to make history.

But hey, I can’t say anything since my hips creaked and my hammies cramped after my fifth lap of the weekend. Lining up in the shoots with national allstars beside me, we all watched through the cracks of staging as big battles were laid down, lap after lap. My favorites?

Words & Photos by: Justin Wahl

Three wide and big speed going for the lead in 8 Cruiser with (left to right) Depler Williams, Blake Ream, and Zayden Yeubanks.

Unstoppable. That’s how we would describe Alexis Alden’s current racing on the USA BMX National Series.

Easily watching the Rockstar/RIFT/Tangent rider Chris Felker hold off a new face on the 14x podium Dyllon Reeder. Lil D Reeder has been putting in the work while on the road with TB Products and Hall of Famer Harry Leary. As my fellow 21-25x class lined up in their spots on the hill, I couldn’t take my eyes off the racing in front of me. From Casshe Hopson hitting the full drift in turn one and powering to the line, then Matthew Brewer battling a stacked 16x class and showing the impressive speed he’s gained over the past season.

Okay, focus. Get your nerves under control, focus on your set up, get out good. That was the thought until, just a gate in front of me, Brody Cole snaps off possibly the best two-five pedal I’ve ever seen. A bike length ahead by the first roller, I’m in awe of what I just witnessed. Could I get a gate like that? No… but hey, a guy’s gotta try.

Let’s say this about my finishes, I made the main. From racing my own main to witnessing veteran experts charge through their own races, the realization hit me. I can really do this for my whole life. I could be Chad Street passing his competition on the outside or Chris Kennedy going wire-to-wire with incredible indoor speed. The options are limited for those of us who just want to keep riding, which showed with the Allstar battle of Eric Rupe and Cody Smart.

The textbook high-low by Cody Smart in Sunday’s main put the final nail in the coffin; I’ll be racing forever, and if I only race the Cajun Nationals for the rest of my National career, that will be fine by me.

Chris Felker locks down the weekend in 14x going three for three for the Tangent Cartel.

Payton Johnson joins the leader board in 10x Girls with three wins at the Cajun Nationals.

Scooby Snacks, Brady Oneil charging fast with his patriotic Daylight Cycles ride.

April 21-23, 2023

Ike

Eyes on the prize is a must with a big pack of riders charging through a pack with Christen Prescott and Parker Graves.

If you want to transcend BMX you’ve got to be an ICON. Taking his skill to the 14x class, be on the lookout for ICON to make his mark.

The Alpha girls were out for blood as Landon Burian and Zoe Dannenberg controlled the 13x Girls class.

Sunday’s USA Cycling National Championships put the US riders bar to bar as they battled for the sleeves in Tulsa.

Junior Men: Ethan Popovich (2x), Junior Women: Ava Corley, U23 Men: Brayden Kempel, U23 Women: Mckenzie Gayheart (2x), Elite Men: Anthony Bucardo, Elite Women: Alise Willoughby (11)

The return to Tulsa. Just six months since the crowning of the 2022 champions across town at the Expo, the full range of racers converged onto the Hardesty National BMX Stadium for a weekend to show off the skill and speed of BMX in the US. With pro camps and national prep keeping us busy leading up to the weekend, once race day gates dropped, it felt like just another session around Hardesty. As the fast track tested riders, they tested their skills straight back, bringing a show-stopping and battle-heavy environment for the fans to watch.

While the weekend’s big story may have happened in Tulsa, it started back in Houston. The Men Pro class has been getting a new narrative written throughout the start of the season. That narrative, you ask? Young Speed v. Veteran Racing.

The new must-beat racers of the class, Wood and Kennedy, are meeting more and more often in the late stages of race day, creating a crowdbuzzing anticipation for the ensuing action. In Tulsa, the action only added to the aforementioned narrative. Friday’s main event had a whole bunch of spice as Izaac got out to a demanding Answer Holeshot from gate six, but the #12 of Cam Wood was hot on his trail. With a little more speed down the third straight rhythm, Wood tucked in behind Kennedy’s back wheel, looking for the last straight charge off.

Now a couple of things to keep in mind. It’s widely thought that there is no 30’ or last straight rule in USA BMX for the pro classes. While the UCI rules do not have these rules, the USA BMX rulebook has no written designation because it has been for so long a self-regulated class, except

Sam Jones was feeling the flow charging through the inside for the Oklahoma Ssquared posse in 10 Intermediate.

Words & Photos: Justin Wahl

2x Nationals No.1

Amateur Girls Ava

Corley had one thing on her mind, the Junior Sleeve. With a lot of preparations in the weeks leading up, Corley showed true progression down the big hill with the rest of the ladies.

in times of malicious intent (ie. 2019 Vet Pro Grands Main). Now back to the last straight in Tulsa. Kennedy and Wood exit, and the Chase ride stays outside to use the turn three pump. As they get to the lip of the step-up, Kennedy darts to the opposite side of the track to seemingly block Wood. In doing so the Mongoose rider checks up in an attempt to not go off the track. The second thing to keep in mind, no call was made until a petition from Wood came down to the head official. With a single jump across the track the malicious petition was heard and called to DQ Kennedy. That was the young speed, but where does the veteran riding come into play? That’s all Saturday with The French Connection.

A case of dejavu, Wood on the inside Kennedy in gate six. Charging into turn one, Wood and former world champ Sylvain Andre make contact sending Wood to the left toward Kennedy after Andre checks up to play it safe. As the pack carves into turn one, #6 and #12 connect, momentum takes over, forcing them both up high where the Aussie goes over turn one, and Wood’s back wheel spins out on the high side. Seeing the elbowlocked young guns of the class ahead of them, Joris Daudet sees his opportunity to slingshot around the first turn towing his fellow Frenchman Sylvain Andre and newly graduated collegiate athlete Joey Leto to the Saturday Podium.

While the Men Pro class action kept the fans talking, the Women Pro racing brought a couple of total point battles that still have us reeling. With every lap counting towards the podium, the ladies waited no time under Hardesty’s roof. Returning to the US series, Saya Sakakibara came out swinging with her fellow Australian, Lauren Reynolds and 10x National No.1 Alise Willoughby. Mixing up the points each lap, consistency was key and Saya had that consistency to take the day one win. Putting down two solid laps and coming into the final lap one point behind Willoughby, the Australians put down a lap for the ages chasing down local Olympian Payton Ridenour. Forcing the final finish to go to video review, the final score landed Sakakibara on the top of the podium, between Willoughby in second and Ridenour in third. Saturday’s three laps were all about the Queen of Tulsa, with an outright win to start off the day and a chaotic round two finishing in second behind Ridenour; it was down to the main event for Willoughby to lock in her fourth win of the season. With another big pop from Sakakibara, the champ began her chase and defense against P-nut in three. With a lot of speed going into the final turn, the veteran racing came out for #11, tucking in behind Sakakibara for the low point and the day two win.

Remember that fun moment before Rock Hill last month where KJ Romero decided to poke the Vet Pro bear and join the title chase? Well, the title chase is on, and they may have woken up Barry Nobles’

A stacked Junior Men class went three round of total points on Sunday making each lap that much more exciting to watch.

competitive drive once again. Don’t get us wrong, the Vet Pro class is talking and laughing through the majority of their laps, but Barry was firing on all cylinders around Tulsa, with names like Lacombe, Hudson, and Falla joining the racing action, a new face returned to the National Series as well. Elliot McGrath was rumored to make his return six months prior at Grands, but hey, we’ll take him in Tulsa any way we can. With Costco work pants and his classic McGrath riding style, he ended the weekend with a spot on the box finishing his debut in third behind Romero and Nobles. The class may be 30 and over but these guys are continuing to remind us why we started racing in the first place, because it was fun. What other class is going to show you Olympians throwing flatties midpack? *cough* *cough* Nic Long…

As the Pro classes started the race days, the chill-inducing amateur racing had the fans staying to watch the action. The best of which came from the 14x class where the Rage was red hot with a constant battle each day between Bruney, Felker, and Gomolicke.

Real men wear pink and Ethan Popovich proved that to be true around Hardesty BMX.

However, Gaige Gomolicke’s Saturday fourth to first had our jaws on the floor, taking a big win away from the Full Tilt and Tangent teamsheets. Another battle that got the crowd on their feet was the local ripper, Keely Nelson, going three for three and doing it with a pass down the third or fourth straight in each main event. With so many battles to reminisce about, here are a few to keep an eye on the next time you watch back the webcast from the weekend. Sean Day v. True Bailey in 16x, BABS v. Impact v. Houston in 17-20x Girl, Burian v. Shatswell in 11x Girls, and as always, the fastest class in the amateurs 17-20x. Halfway through the Pro schedule, and 11 races into the total National Tour, the Legacy Nationals is the turning point for BMX racers around the country. School bells ring for summer and gate drops become the new norm for families free time, be sure to make USA BMX HQ a stop on your summer bucket list to try out your skills on the fun and fast track that is becoming a major training ground in the US.

We’ll see you in November, Tulsa.

Charge to the inside and get those elbows out wide. Tulsa’s turn two entrance can be the make or break spot on the track, especially when everyone wants that fast low line.

W1 Felicia Stancil looked to break though to the top spot, however, her competiton had other plans.

The Beast’s Hardesty debut was a success, after pulling from racing last year due to injury, Alise went 2,1,1 capturing her 11th sleeve in the process.

9-10 Mixed Open put down some fast laps throughout the weekend, many of them with Kira Vescuso at the helm.

Due to UCI rules no numbers were alowed to be on Gayhearts jersey so a bright Fly Racing jersey was the the perfect replacement.

Ken Quintana (left) brought the speed. With experience racing under roofs, Quintana is just getting warmed up before his home town national at Duke City BMX.

May 5-7, 2023

Hardesty National

Stadium Tulsa, Oklahoma

Double

Camdyn Cole and Harper Vescuso bang bars down the big Tulsa second straight in 11x Girl.

Triple

Triplex3

ADAMS

HOMETOWN:  Danbury, CT

COLLEGE:  Embry

Riddle Aeronautical University

DEGREE:  Aerospace

Engineering

AMOUNT RECEIVED:  $1,000

JOSHUA TRERISE

HOMETOWN:  Sherwood, OR

COLLEGE:  Marian University

DEGREE:  Biology Pre-Med

AMOUNT RECEIVED: $3,000

HOLLY SHREVE

HOMETOWN:  Edinboro, PA

COLLEGE:  University of Pittsburgh

DEGREE:  Biology

AMOUNT RECEIVED: $3,000

MADILYN MATIKO

HOMETOWN:  Levittown, PA

COLLEGE:  University of Pittsburgh

DEGREE:  Education

AMOUNT RECEIVED:  $2,500

JACOB CLAPP

HOMETOWN:  Columbus, IN

COLLEGE:  Marian University

DEGREE:  Biology Pre-Med

AMOUNT RECEIVED:  $2,500

SOLOMON GOODWIN

HOMETOWN:

FORT WAYNE, IN

TYLER WILLETT

HOMETOWN:  Elk Grove, CA

COLLEGE:  UC Irvine

DEGREE:  Mechanical Engineering

AMOUNT RECEIVED: $2,000

COLLEGE:

MARIAN UNIVERSITY

DEGREE:

FINANCE AND MARKETING

AMOUNT RECEIVED:  $2,500

DALLAS GARDNER

HOMETOWN:  Henrico, VA

COLLEGE:  James Madison University

DEGREE:  Kinesiology-Biology

AMOUNT RECEIVED:  $2,000

HALIE ENGLER

HOMETOWN:  Waverly Twp, PA

COLLEGE:  Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute

DEGREE:  Mechanical Engineering

AMOUNT RECEIVED:  $2,000

JOE TESSMAN

HOMETOWN:  Maple Grove, MN

COLLEGE:  Univ of Minnesota Twin CitiesCollege of Science and Engineering

DEGREE:  Mechanical Engineering

AMOUNT RECEIVED:  $1,500

VIOLET CEJALVO

HOMETOWN: Langley, BC

COLLEGE:  MARIAN UNIVERSITY

DEGREE:  SOCIAL WORK

AMOUNT RECEIVED: $1,500

JAIDEN MATTICE

HOMETOWN: Kingston, ON

COLLEGE:  St Lawrence College

DEGREE:   Mechanical Technician

AMOUNT RECEIVED:  $1,500

EMILY DURANT

HOMETOWN:  Newnan, GA

COLLEGE:  University of West Georgia

DEGREE:  Biology Pre-Med

AMOUNT RECEIVED:  $1,000

KIRA BOUSTEAD

HOMETOWN:

VALLEJO, CA

COLLEGE:

SOLANO COMMUNITY COLLEGE

DEGREE:

HEALTH AND FITNESS

AMOUNT RECEIVED:

$1,000

CARSON MALPASS

HOMETOWN:  Littleton, CO

COLLEGE:  University of Colorado Boulder

DEGREE:  Aerospace Engineering

AMOUNT RECEIVED:  $1,000

EVAN SCHAEFER

HOMETOWN:

Sarasota, FL

COLLEGE:

Colorado Mesa University

DEGREE:

Business Administration

Management

AMOUNT RECEIVED:

$1,000

CARTER JACKSON

HOMETOWN:  Akwesasne, QC

COLLEGE:  Clarkson University

DEGREE:  Engineering Management

AMOUNT RECEIVED:  $1,000

AVERY BUTLER

HOMETOWN:  Bismarck, ND

COLLEGE:  University of Minnesota Twin -Cities

DEGREE:  Environmental Engineering

AMOUNT RECEIVED:  $1,000

STEPHANIE BEYNON

HOMETOWN:   Rock Hill, SC

COLLEGE:   University of South Carolina

DEGREE:   Exercise Science

AMOUNT RECEIVED:   $1,000

DANTE CASANOVA

HOMETOWN:  Aberdeen, SD

COLLEGE:  Northern State University

DEGREE:  Finance

AMOUNT RECEIVED: $1,000

DREW POLK

HOMETOWN:  AVON, IN

COLLEGE:  MARIAN UNIVERSITY

DEGREE:  BUSINESS

CHLOE KAPPEN

HOMETOWN:  Royersford, PA

COLLEGE:  University of Delaware

DEGREE:  Biomedical Engineering

AMOUNT RECEIVED:  $1,000

ADMINISTRATION-FINANCE

AMOUNT RECEIVED:  $1,000

MINAMI KREMBS

HOMETOWN:  Frisco, TX

COLLEGE:  University of Texas-Austin

DEGREE:  Economics and Psychology

AMOUNT RECEIVED:  $1,000

CONNOR GORTNEY

Hometown: Helena, AL College: University of Montevallo

Degree: Exercise and Nutrition Science

AMOUNT RECEIVED:  $1,000

ETHAN PEEBLES

HOMETOWN:   Winter Garden, FL

COLLEGE:   University of South Florida

DEGREE:   Integrated PR and Advertising

AMOUNT RECEIVED:   $1,000

ZAINE STENSON

HOMETOWN:  Maple Valley, WA

COLLEGE:  Colorado Mesa University

DEGREE:  Exercise Science

AMOUNT RECEIVED:  $1,000

CAMERON YOUNG

HOMETOWN:  Beaumont, CA

COLLEGE:  CA Polytechnic State University

DEGREE:  Electrical Engineering

AMOUNT RECEIVED:  $1,000

JACOB JANSEN

HOMETOWN:  ARNOLD, MD

COLLEGE:  WEST VIRGINIA UNIVERSITY

DEGREE:  MECHANICAL ENGINEERING

AMOUNT RECEIVED:  $1,000

QUINTON PARSONS

HOMETOWN:  Nepean, ON

COLLEGE:  Algonquin College

DEGREE:  Business Admin-Finance

AMOUNT RECEIVED:  $750

DANIELLE JOLICOEUR

HOMETOWN: Torrington, CT

COLLEGE: Tunxis Community College

DEGREE: Dental Hygiene

AMOUNT RECEIVED: $750

JACELYN RENO

HOMETOWN:  Bowie, TX

COLLEGE:  Midwestern State University

DEGREE:  Mass Communications

AMOUNT RECEIVED:   $750

ZACH JACOBS

HOMETOWN:  Mt Juliet, TN

COLLEGE:  Middle Tennessee State University

DEGREE:  Finance

AMOUNT RECEIVED:  $750

SAMANTHA SPERRAZZA

HOMETOWN:  New Milford, CT

COLLEGE:  East Tennessee State University

DEGREE:  Business

AMOUNT RECEIVED:  $750

SARAH PRUITT

HOMETOWN:  Belfair, WA

COLLEGE:  Central Washington University

DEGREE:  Education

AMOUNT RECEIVED:  $500

KILEY HALE

HOMETOWN:  Derby, KS

COLLEGE:  Wichita State University

DEGREE:  Secondary Education

AMOUNT RECEIVED:  $500

RILEY PALM

HOMETOWN:  Foristell, MO

COLLEGE:  Missouri University of Science and Technology

DEGREE:  Architectural Engineering

AMOUNT RECEIVED:  $500

DOMONIQUE SMITH

HOMETOWN:

Albuquerque, NM

COLLEGE:

Western Governors University

DEGREE:

Business Administration in Health Sciences

AMOUNT RECEIVED: $500

TIMOTHY HAUSE

HOMETOWN:  Collingswood, NJ

COLLEGE:  University of Scranton

DEGREE:  Nursing

AMOUNT RECEIVED:  $500

MYA RAMOS

HOMETOWN:  Albuquerque, NM

COLLEGE:  Marian University

DEGREE:  Exercise Science

AMOUNT RECEIVED:  $500

ETHAN YOUNG

HOMETOWN:  Beaumont, CA

COLLEGE:  Undecided

DEGREE: Mechanical Engineering

AMOUNT RECEIVED:  $500

BLAISE PEREIRA

HOMETOWN:  Marrero, LA

COLLEGE:  University of New Orleans

DEGREE:  Civil Engineering

AMOUNT RECEIVED:  $500

ASHLEY WALAWANDER

HOMETOWN:

Hamburg, NY

COLLEGE:

SUNY-Erie

DEGREE:

Liberal Arts

AMOUNT RECEIVED:

$500

RACE FOR LIFE

Help raise funds for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society!

USA BMX & BMX Canada are among the top fundraisers for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. Each year, riders gather donations and raise funds for this worthwhile cause. The Race For Life Series was started in 1981 to help a fellow BMXer diagnosed with leukemia. Please visit USABMXRFL.org to get started earning these fine prizes from BOX Components.

Each year, every USA BMX track holds a “Race For Life”, with all proceeds going to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. Find an event near you:

POWERED BY

PRIZES

PRIZE 1: Complete Bike

PRIZE 2: Box One X5 Pro Carbon Fork

PRIZE 3: Box One M35 Crank

PRIZE 4: Box Two 20mm Front Hub 36H Black

PRIZE 5: Box One Cromo Triple Taper Handlebar

PRIZE 6: Box One Top Load Stem

PRIZE 7: Box One V-Brakes

PRIZE 8: Box One Genius Brake Lever

PRIZE 9: Box Two Seat Post

PRIZE 10: Box One Quick Release Seat Clamp

4.

6.

8.

It’s not often in the world of BMX Racing that we aren’t at least a little familiar with racers on title runs in North America, but 2022’s Canadian Amateur National Champion came out of the woodwork and into the eyes of BMX fans rocking the CNAT No.1 plate this year.

We caught up with the South Surry, BC, local in Redmond, OR, to talk about his introduction to the sport and how he jumped into the limelight of BMX racing in the Americas.

So Lucas, what was the start for you? How did you get started in BMX?

2015, I was hanging out with one of my buddies who had a sticker on his helmet for our local track. I had no idea what it was, so I asked him, and he just said it was biking stuff on a track with jumps and I thought it sounded pretty cool. I asked my parents, and they brought me there right away with no questions asked, and it was fun. I couldn’t balance in the gate, I was in plain clothes with a rental helmet, rental bike. I had no idea what was going on, I just rode the whole thing for the whole time. That was when I started to like biking in general. I didn’t race much, I just raced locals once a week, and I started riding down stairs and watching a whole bunch of Mountain biking videos on YouTube.

The biking scene in Canada is huge. Are you riding both

BMX and Mountain Bike?

I’m only riding BMX now. When COVID was going on, there wasn’t much BMX going on, so I was riding a lot of dirt jumps and mountain bikes but not so much anymore. I like BMX more than the other kinds of biking.

So about last year. In 2022, you made your run at the National Title and succeeded, were there ups and downs, or was it winning straight through?

So 2022 was actually the first year I consistently won nationals in Canada. It was the first time I’ve ever won more than one National in a year. So it kind of came as a shock because I never thought I was gonna win it. Before COVID, I was always in second place, never in the lead, so it kind of came all at once. I didn’t think I was doing anything different; it just came to me naturally.

Looking back on it now, do you retrospectively have something that changed to help you be out in the lead?

I started going to the gym around November of 2021, and I think that helped, really helped because before, I wouldn’t say I was the biggest kid, but I wasn’t the smallest either, I was kind of in between. I thought my first straights were good, but I went to Grands in 2021, and everyone was beating me, and that was right after COVID, so I had no training I was just riding my bike. I realized that wasn’t enough anymore because everyone was growing, so I started going to the gym and doing sprints, I think that really helped.

As a rider, what would you say is your biggest strength?

I think track speed, I’d say, and I think it’s because I’ve rode all different types of bikes. With BMX, mountain bikes, and trails, it really developed my skills for BMX, which helped me with my track speed. I’m not really good at riding in a pack, though, and I’m definitely trying to get better at that, but yeah, track speed is definitely my biggest strength.

What do you see Canadian BMX coming to in the next couple of years?

COVID hit the Canadian scene pretty hard to where there’s barely 100 motos at each stop, so I hope it grows, but I have no idea what’s to come. I’m still gonna be having fun in Canada.

What are your plans for the rest of this year? Anymore National stops down in the US?

Yeah, my goal is NAG 5 Challenge because that seems super cool, but we’ll be going to a few more American Nationals, all of the Canadian series, and worlds as well. A busy year I think!

Lined up and ready to find the holeshot to kickoff the Canadian National Series.

Madi Eveland charges into the sunshine with her Daylight Cycle speed.

The Big Red Barn in Chilliwack, BC is unlike any other race venue. Once you get through the iconic façade and over the pungent smell of the agricultural town, the energy of the place envelopes you. The fences around the track are packed with people standing shoulder-toshoulder, cheering on every rider they know. It always seems like every track in BC has a pit full of riders, and every pit looks like a potluck of snacks and sports drinks.

The energy might be high because it’s the first BMX Canada National of the year (and the first race for many Canadian riders), but after years of attending, I think it’s just something about the place.

The track is always tight at Chilliwack Heritage Park, and the jumps were deeper and more technical this time, creating more opportunities to pass. The turns were also taller. The action started on Friday with the newly introduced pro-am classes. Eight women and 20 men took on the challenge, and they did not disappoint. Rift/Tangent’s RJ Barfoot from Nanaimo, BC was dominant from the first gate drop. The 15-year-old won every lap of the Female Pro-Am and 15-16 Girls Expert three days in a row.

LSG’s Katy Cyrus was never far behind. She finished second all three days in the Female Pro-Am, and brought three 14 Girls Expert wins home to Winchester, California. The pride of Pitt Meadows, Alex Tougas, took Day One of the Men’s Pro-Am and backed it up on Saturday, but Full Tilt’s Joshua Trerise took the top spot on Sunday. Trerise also went home to Sherwood, Oregon with three wins in 17-20 expert.

Bend, Oregon’s Mike Albright scored six wins on his SE over the weekend – three each in 56-60 Cruiser and the new 56 and Over Expert class. Seattle, Washington’s Hidi Cramer crushed the competition as usual, tripling in class and cruiser. Albertan Jhett Hickey cruised into three wins in 11 Cruiser aboard his Bombshell and paired that with wins in 11 Expert on Friday and Sunday. Alpha’s Leonardo Leavy took the top spot in that class on Saturday. That win from the boy from Burnaby, BC, helped his team clinch first place in the title team division, which they earned all three days.

The 2022’s amateur boys national champ, Lucas Zhou, put in some great laps for Alpha as well. He walked away with a 15x win on Saturday against some stiff competition. His teammate Tarin Fields took the win on

Words by: Steven Adams / Photos by: Correlation Photos

Sunday, and fellow Washingtonian Jasper Altendorf took it on Friday. Alpha Factory, defending Title Team champs for BMX Canada, would take the wins each of the three days to kickoff the 2023 season.

Monster Bike Supply, Daylight, Rift/ Tangent, Remix Canada, Fly Racing Canada, Odd Racing, NorCal/ Next Generation, Zeronine, Bike Master and Cycle Therapy all had their team pits setup, but we had a new team for 2023 in the form of BikeSupplies.ca (dubbed Canada’s BMX Race Shop). They had a few riders sporting the new colors this weekend and going fast, including Elle Foo Donais, Hugo Donais and 16-year-old Tristen Stacy taking fifth in the Pro Am main on Sunday.

The next stop is Abbotsford BMX, followed by Kingston BMX a few weeks later. We are excited to see both Pro Am classes continue to thrive throughout the season. If you’ve never been to a BMX Canada National, do yourself a favor and book a trip - you won’t regret it.

Cameron Elliot styles into the season opener for the Factory Motofill team.

District Champ Jackson Beul finds the clean air in 15 Cruiser.

Tommy Mcallister knows red is fast with the ROC/ glove combo in 41-45x.

hat started out as a passion project for his son’s bike has evolved into being one of the top custom painters in BMX racing. Casey Scranton from Norco, CA, has taken his passion and experience in the custom automotive industry into BMX by painting helmets, bikes, and other parts that need extra spice.

Scranton was reluctant to take on the task of custom painting frames for the masses. He found himself starting with friends from the local track in their area and on to painting Rockstar Helmets for his son’s team, Tangent Products. And after a successful batch of helmets for the Rockstar/Rift/Tangent team, the connection between Tangent and Rockstar Energy proposed that when the new logo was released, Norco’s own Casey Scranton could be the painter for Rockstar riders.

Hundreds of helmets began to appear, and as Scranton got off his day job customizing exhaust and undercarriage builds for show cars, he would then switch into painter mode, sanding, applying decals, and clear coating the new helmets for athletes throughout action sports.

Nowadays, Scranton has moved his spray booth into the backyard and set up shop close to home, making his next project just a few steps away. The ability to bring paint jobs that wow his customers is even easier, that is, if he doesn’t flip a breaker in the process.

The Profile red kit was on display in 17-20x with Drake Velador battling with the leaders.

The battle of the legends with Jim Nelson and Billy Griggs duking it out around Eugene in 51-55x.

For the first time since 2006, the Lumberjack Nationals return to Track Town USA, Eugene, OR. With the Neon “O” of Autzen Stadium keeping its watchful eye, racers were practically itching to ride this beautiful Pacific Northwest track. Emerald Valley BMX has put in serious work to bring the National series back to the town they call home, and they knocked it out of the park with a track made for great racing and a facility that had even the retired racers wanting to get back on the bike. Let’s take you through the racing that filled the fence line and brought watchers at home to their feet. And thanks to two classes, it started right off the bat.

The Tangent Pro/Am classes brought the fastest throughout the field together to battle it

out once again. From Napa Valley and Bend, OR, Kira Boustead and Sophia Rodriguez laid the power down and showed off the girls club moves in both of their total point race days. With the now signature SoPhast move in turn two getting the Bikeaholix pioneer her cash for the weekend, while Boustead would have to wait until Saturday to cash in on a top spot for Day Two. On the men’s side of things, the battles were starting to develop ahead of each main event, but then a 16-year-old kid from Washington went wire to wire in two main event laps that impressed us even more by Sean Day’s speed.

Into some of the action throughout the weekend. If you follow the USA BMX social pages, you would have seen this 10-year-old skying it

photos/words by Justin Wahl

A heated Quarter main saw Banyan Howell, Josh Trerise, and Levi Folkrod diving into turn one in 17-20x.

Oregon’s own Danny Garcher styles it out over the last jump in 61 & over cruiser.

out into the first turn, and with that airtime, he also put down the power in all three 10x main events. Karter Hart from SoCal has been on the rise for the past few years, and we’re excited to see him proudly rep the BMX Sharks kit in Eugene. The other dominator from the weekend came from the Orange-sleeved team, LSG. Eliza Newton was out in force in both her class and cruiser mains taking the top spot every round with an impressive triple-triple through the weekend.

As the young guns battled for their BMX stat sheet, some legends of racing have returned to the sport, making a big splash in Eugene. For Corky Gainsford and Nate Berkheimer, BMX is in their blood, and they returned to Emerald Valley BMX in impressive fashion. Corky has been in the mix at a couple of nationals now, but on Sunday, he laid down the power on his big wheels to take home the win in 56-60 Cruiser. While Nate Berkheimer also joined the fun, he’s impressed the class and us by staying in the mix on his chromoly Standard and flat pedals. Now for the big one, 17-20x. A Pacific Northwest showdown between Banyan Howell, Mikey Bryant, and Josh Trerise produced one of the best main events we’ve seen. With Howell at the point out of turn one, both Bryant and Trerise bobbed and weaved to find the open door. Bryant found that opened door on the inside into turn two but with an extra pedal in the turn, the long-haired racer made the low move and found contact with his elbow in front of Bryant. Connected all the way to the entrance of the third straight, they muscled on to continue the battle. Trerise, Howell, and Bryant lined up through the straight and into turn three, where Howell drifted outside to block Trerise, the Staystrong ride of Bryant towed in Profile’s Drake Velador for the one-two up and under move.

May 19-21, 2023

Emerald Valley BMX Eugene, Oregon

START A TRACK!

Do you live more than an hour from your local track?

Do you wish you had a USA BMX facility closer to you?

For more information on how to Start a Track in your town zap that QR code with your phone and check out our Start a Track FAQ guide.

We can work with you through all of the options;

• Private,

• public,

• for-profit, not-for-profit,

• potential funding sources

• or even City/Recreation Department operated.

NOTE: This track directory is as of JUNE 2023 - and subject to change. Always call your track or check their website and/or USABMX.com before going to the track.

ALABAMA

ALABAMA

Dothan-AL 01

Circle City BMX

Travis Roettgen 334-793-0189 circlecitybmxracing.com

PELHAM-AL 01

Oak Mountain BMX

Marshall Mooney 205-586-2863 oakmountainbmx.com

PRATTVILLE-AL 01

Fountain City BMX

Gabe Wright 334-435-0295 fountaincitybmx.com

ALASKA

FAIRBANKS-AK 01

Far North BMX

Paulette Buth 907-455-7148 farnorthbmx.com

ARIZONA

BULLHEAD CITY-AZ 02

Colorado River BMX

Turnell Henry 702-219-5660 usabmx.com/tracks/1672

CHANDLER-AZ 01

Chandler BMX

Rachael Blackwell 480-469-4949 chandlerbmx.com

GOODYEAR-AZ 05

Goodyear BMX Raceway

Paul Moore 623-670-6279 Goodyearbmx.com

KINGMAN-AZ 02

High Desert 66

Interstate BMX

Shannon Patterson (928) 542-1018

LAKE HAVASU CITY-AZ 02

Lake Havasu City BMX

Sean Rice (602) 618-4111 golakehavasu.com/bmx

PHOENIX-AZ 04

Black Mountain BMX

Debbie Kelley 602-999-5979 blackmountainbmx.com

SHOW LOW-AZ 04

Show Low BMX

Josh Bagge 928-369-8443 showlowbmx@gmail.com

TUCSON-AZ 03

Sports Park BMX

Julie & Kirk Vaughn 520-631-4256 usabmx.com/tracks/1959

TUCSON-AZ 03

Tucson BMX

Andy Erickson 520-808-0641 usabmx.com/tracks/1676

YUMA-AZ 02

Yuma BMX

Scott Binder 619-792-9513 usabmx.com/tracks/0009

ARKANSAS

CABOT-AR 01

Cabot BMX COMPLEX

Joe Douglas 501-239-3026 Cabotbmx.com

LOWELL-AR 02

NWA BMX

Andrew Strecker 479-402-0047 usabmx.com/tracks/1761

N. LITTLE ROCK-AR 01

Bonzai BMX

Dave Larson dave@angrydaveswheels.com usabmx.com/tracks/1264

CALIFORNIA

APPLE VALLEY-CA 01

Apple Valley BMX Moto Park

Melissa Hammonds 760-953-6361 usabmx.com/tracks/1373

BAKERSFIELD-CA 06

Metro BMX

Eric Simpson 661-900-3210 racemetrobmx.com

BELLFLOWER-CA 22

Bellflower BMX

Tammy Estep 562-716-0487 Bellflowerbmx.com

Camarillo-CA 07

Freedom Park BMX

Raceway

Richard Huvard 805-824-7854 freedomparkbmx.com

CHICO-CA 12

Silver Dollar BMX

Phil Wysocki (530) 520-2014 silverdollarbmx.org

CHULA VISTA -CA 02

Chula Vista BMX Tyler Brown 949-973-0949 chulabmx.com

EL CENTRO-CA 23

Imperial Valley BMX

Tommy Valencia 760-370-0565 usabmx.com/tracks/1368

EUREKA-CA 15

Redwood Empire BMX

Carl Kester 707-845-0094 redwoodempirebmx.com

FRESNO- CA 10

Woodward Park BMX

Samuel Benavides (559) 493-9345 fresno.gov/actionsports

HANFORD- CA 05

Hanford BMX

Derek Weisser 559-816-7954 usabmx.com/tracks/1590

HESPERIA- CA 01

HD BMX

James Vicario 760-662-3694 usabmx.com/tracks/1960

LAKESIDE-CA 02

Cactus Park BMX

Vincent McCurdy 619-561-3824 cactusparkbmx.com

LANCASTER-CA 17

Antelope Valley BMX

Eddie Trejo 661-317-5188 antelopevalleybmx.com

LEMOORE- CA10

Lemoore BMX Raceway

Derek Weisser 559-816-7954 frameworkracing.org

LUCERNE VALLEY-CA 01

Stars & Stripes BMX Paul Datuin 760-680-7612 usabmx.com/tracks/1918

MANTECA-CA 10

Spreckels Park BMX Jon Anderson 209-815-8376 usabmx.com/tracks/1770

NAPA-CA 04

North Bay BMX

Alissa Menchaca 707-738-2949 usabmx.com/tracks/1721

PERRIS-CA 24

Grand Prix BMX at SoCalFair

Mike Redman 951-334-7396 usabmx.com/tracks/1946

PRUNEDALE-CA 08

Manzanita Park BMX

Erik Schantin (408) 410-4148 usabmx.com/tracks/1853

REEDLEY-CA 10

Air Time BMX

Paul Huebert 559-859-0949 airtimebmx.moonfruit.com

REDDING-SHASTA LAKE CITY-CA 18

Boomtown BMX

Alycia Barrett 530-921-9780 usabmx.com/tracks/0987

RIO LINDA-CA 11

Elkhorn BMX

Tammy & Brian Ford 916-991-2931 usabmx.com/tracks/1473

ROSEVILLE-CA 11

Oak Creek BMX

Amanda Lowry 916-784-8269 oakcreekbmx.org

SAN DIEGO-CA 02

San Diego BMX

Tyler Brown 949-973-0949 usabmx.com/tracks/0245

SANTA BARBARA-CA 07

Elings Park BMX

Raceway

Mike Ramirez 805-325-5590 usabmx.com/tracks/1790

SANTA MARIA-CA 28

Santa Maria BMX

Jeff Tillema 805-550-0449 usabmx.com/tracks/1895

SIMI VALLEY-CA 07

Sycamore BMX

Anthony Nigro 805-583-BMX7 sycamorebmx.org

UKIAH-CA 15

Rusty Bowl BMX

Jared Walker 530-518-3500 usabmx.com/tracks/0897

WHITTIER-CA 13

Whittier Narrows BMX

Roland Leal 626-692-6055 whittiernarrowsbmx.com

YUCAIPA-CA 23

Yucaipa BMX

Tim Hansen 951-818-9777 yucaipabmx.com

YUCCA VALLEY-CA 23

Yucca Valley BMX

Keri Dillman 909-744-7256 usabmx.com/tracks/1318

COLORADO

CARBONDALE-CO 01

Crown Mountain BMX Park Matthew Bunn 970-274-3013 crownbmx.com

SPRINGS-CO 03

Pikes Peak BMX Wayne Westover 720-201-7962 pikespeakbmx.org

CORTEZ-CO 03

Cortez BMX

Stacey Baxter 970-570-9157 cortezbmx.org

DACONO-CO 02

Dacono BMX

Wyatt Ball/Chris Wooten 303-944-8392 usabmx.com/tracks/1638

DENVER-CO 02

Durango BMX Durango Parks & Recreation 970-375-7334 usabmx.com/tracks/1947

DURANGO-CO 03

Durango BMX Riley Shea (714) 504-2951 durangobmx.com

EAGLE-CO 01

Eagle County BMX

Jay Lucas 970-390-6601 usabmx.com/tracks/1798

FOUNTAIN-CO 03 Cross Creek BMX

Garret Richard 719-659-0655 usabmx.com/tracks/1822

FT. COLLINS-CO 02 Twin Silo BMX Crystal Toureene (970) 619-9732 epicbmxfc.com

GRAND JUNCTION CO 01

Grand Valley BMX Nick Adams 970-812-3394 grandvalleybmx.com

LITTLETON-CO 02 County Line BMX

Gabrielle Schott (303) 483-7030 ssprd.org/county-line-bmx

CONNECTICUT

BETHEL-CT 01

Bethel Supercross BMX Don Olson 203-744-7962 bethelbmx.com

MERIDEN-CT 01 Falcon BMX Joe Therriault 860-833-4155 falconbmx.org

TORRINGTON-CT 01

Foothills BMX Brian Kesl 860-626-1269 foothillsbmx.com

TRUMBULL-CT 01

T.R.A.C.K BMX Chris Gombos 203-257-4988 trumbullbmx.com

DELAWARE

MILFORD-DE 01

First State BMX Kimberly Hill 302-422-413 firststatebmx.com

FLORIDA

CAPE CORAL-FL 03

Cape Coral BMX Nick Jones 239-458-1943 usabmx.com/tracks/1871

DAYTONA-FL 02

Daytona BMX John Ryan 386-690-4055 usabmx.com/tracks/1966

HIGH SPRINGS-FL 05

High Springs BMX John Pringle 352-474-8105 hsbmx.com

JACKSONVILLE-FL 05

Jacksonville BMX Chad Grace 904-386-1750 jacksonvillebmx.com

MIAMI-FL 04

Miami South BMX Ben Hadddix 305-417-3858 miamisouthbmx.com

NAPLES-FL 03 Naples BMX Steve Kennedy 239-290-1907 naplesbmxinc@gmail.com

OLDSMAR-FL 01

Oldsmar BMX Raceway Jason Conklin 813-749-1260 myoldsmar.com

Located between Albany, Schenectady and Troy, New York, Tri-City BMX draws families from all over the Greater Capital Region along with riders from several neighboring states like Vermont, Massachusetts, Connecticut and Pennsylvania. Started in 1981 as an all-volunteer, non-profit, the track has worked hard to further its mission of modeling good sportsmanship, bicycle safety, respect of self, family and fellow competitors.

BEYOND THE BERM

TRI-CITY BMX SCHENECTADY, NEW YORK

As Sarah Robichaud enters her 11th year on the board and seventh season as Track Operator, she hopes to keep the focus at Tri-City BMX on families and fun. BMX has always been a family affair for Sarah. Her two boys, Robert and Ryan, started racing at Tri-City BMX in 2010. Her husband Robert joined the board as a volunteer in 2011, followed shortly after by Sarah joining the board in 2012. The Robichaud family has spent countless hours volunteering at Tri-City. Sarah’s daughters have also helped throughout years with many tasks on the

off season. Sarah says she would not be able to do what she does for the track without their unconditional support.

Riders and their families have been able to enjoy several fun annual events that have been organized at the track.

Topping the list is Christmas in July (a crowd favorite, the track gets decked out in Christmas decorations, Christmas carols are played over the loudspeaker and riders receive a Christmas ornament for participating). Other events include Trunk Or Treat, Iron Man races, Tutu Relay races, and

Tik Tok video contests, etc. For the state race, Tri-City BMX always has a live band, with a BBQ and make your own sundae bar, which is free to all who attend. We want riders to always remember that Tri-City BMX is a fun place to be. Tri-City BMX has also organized several races where proceeds are donated to other local charities including breast cancer awareness races each October, Suicide Prevention Awareness races and Back the Blue races to support local police departments. These events help keep our riders engaged and are a great op-

portunity to involve the community for a great cause and to give back.

Another way Tri-City BMX keeps riders and families engaged is through social media, with two Facebook pages, the Tri-City BMX Track page and the Tri-City BMX Community page. The Tri-City BMX Track page is where all of the track “business” is posted including the weekly schedule, cancellations, donor acknowledgements, registration links etc. The Tri-City BMX Community page is where past and present riders can come together

to share info whether it be listing bikes and equipment for sale, sharing pictures or reminiscing.

Tri-City BMX is currently operated by an all-female board of directors. Sarah has been instrumental in empowering other women to step up into leadership roles for the track. Sharing her knowledge and supporting other women continues to make Tri-City stronger and encourages other women to step up too. Another one of Sarah’s priorities has been to help support other Track Operators get their tracks back up and running again, like Catamount and CNY BMX. Tri-City BMX believes in helping others,

building up riders and tracks all around them.

One of the best things about Tri-City BMX has always been our volunteers. We have many long time volunteers, some no

longer race but come back in the early spring to give back to the track, without them, the track would not have survived all these years. We see entire families coming together at work parties to support the

track. It’s amazing to watch grandparents, parents and kids working together to make Tri-City a safe place for families to ride. The kids really get invested and take pride in the track when they’ve had a chance to see their hard work pay off. From raking dirt to picking up garbage to mowing, everyone pitches in and gets it done. When the track was vandalized earlier this year, everyone came together and did what they could to help whether it was donating money, helping add extra security, replacing broken locks, windows, etc. It was heartwarming seeing all of the love and support for the track, and reinforced the importance of the work we do.

DISTRICT POINTS

MAKE YOUR DISTRICT’S TOP 10 NEXT MONTH AND LET THE COMPETITION KNOW WHO YOU ARE!

DISTRICT POINTS EARNED THRU MAY 5, 2023

ALABAMA

CALIFORNIA

ALASKA

ARKANSAS

Dear Gabi, STATE/PROVINCIAL SERIES… WHAAAAATTT????

The State Final for Florida has already been run, here are reminders for the rest of the US and Canada!

l Novice and Intermediate riders are combined for the state plate. Female Novice and Inter riders will find their points under State/Provincial…Choose State/ Province…Choose Age Group…Boys Inter/Novice

l Remember….State/Provincial points will show the age the rider will be on the date of their respective state/provincial final

l Did you know that single point races are not required (except in OK and CT), instead you can earn up to four Bonus State Points. These are awarded one bonus point for every two single point races – max four bonus points. The deadline for single point races is July 15th.

l If you move up in proficiency before your state final, your qualifiers will still count and your points will remain the same. Riders will race the age and proficiency they are the date of the state final.

l While state races are not closed and anybody can race them…you can earn a state plate ONLY for the state in which you reside (unless your state does not have a track in which case you would have declared another state for the series, or in the case of FL, OK and CT). If you move to another state after August 1st, you can only earn a state plate in the state you lived in prior to the August 1 move.

Above all...Have fun, be safe and ride like the wind!!!!

COLORADO

L. Donnelly 12 6612

E. Gibson 14 3727

D. Schmidt 11 3406 4 C. Boyer 10 2618 5 L. Folkrod 20 2554 6 D. Kuhry 19 2293 7 L. Pisciotta 7 2177 8 V. Slipich 10 2092 9

GEORGIA

FLORIDA

HAWAII

8 R. Gifford 13 691

9 K. Mecum 15 675

10 A. Anton 10 552

CRUISER

1 C. Wood 10 3652

2 R. Pavelonis 9 2162

3 E. Shelton 11 2099

4 A. Armstrong 7 2065

5 Z. Swan 11 1943

6 K. Wohlwend 13 1878

7 K. Sproston 13 1825

8 J. Scrowther 9 1439

9 T. Donnelly 9 1208

10 D. Jackson 19 1189

GIRLS CRUISER

1 R. Hirst 9 1733

2 A. Mandujano 14 1624

3 A. Ewert 16 1336

4 K. Cerasa 13 1235

5 K. Mecum 15 745

6 J. Guillen 16 695

7 R. Gifford 13 643

8 A. Goldsmith 33 336

9 R. Basaj 19 313

10 D. Melton 56 220

Il02

BOYS

1 G. Cox 7 3718

2 G. Kraft 10 3581

3 C. Kopczyk 17 3408

4 M. Glonek 12 3049

5 W. Wetendorf 12 2812

6 O. Mcmillin 13 2770

7 D. Rogers 10 2727

8 D. Glonek 7 2502

9 Z. Brockunier 9 2302

10 S. Tokunaga 12 2230

GIRLS

1 G. Mcmillin 13 4520

2 B. Huff 8 2442

3 R. Shanahan 10 1806

4 B. Aufman 9 1561

5 V. Cardenas 17 1443

6 K. Jones 7 1186

7 A. Cregan 9 934

8 N. Tindle 15 798

9 K. Glonek 15 780

IOWA

10 K. Cregan 14 640

CRUISER

1 W. Wetendorf 12 3687

2 M. Glonek 12 2878

3 O. Mcmillin 13 2756

4 S. Lievrouw 10 2496

5 G. Cox 7 2251

6 D. Glonek 7 1893

7 C. Kopczyk 17 1866

8 R. Goodwin 16 1649

9 L. Hedger 11 1568

10 D. Rogers 10 1367

GIRLS CRUISER

1 G. Mcmillin 13 4861

2 D. Matt 39 1561

3 N. Tindle 15 1105

4 A. Cregan 9 942

5 S. Mulvihill 25 649

6 O. Rogers 9 625

7 F. Bieker 17 349

8 M. Jackson 22 323

9 M. Lucking 45 307

10 A. Rogers 7 235

Il03 BOYS

1 S. Sullivan 7 2990

2 M. Immormino 9 2221

3 B. Immormino 14 2077

4 J. Cooper 13 2074

5 M. Immormino 6 1799

6 M. Thompson 8 1541

7 N. Gash 17 1429

8 B. Immormino 12 1318

9 L. Thompson 11 1135

10 A. Gash 10 1119

GIRLS

1 G. Adloff 11 4396

2 W. Cooper 11 2145

3 T. Roady 14 1303

4 P. Coughlin 12 1265

5 K. Coughlin 10 1118

6 B. Turley 13 1027

7 M. Alvarez 10 948

8 S. Lawson 16 644

9 K. Turley 11 299 10 I. Turley 15 276

CRUISER

1 B. Romadka 42 1259

2 P. Gaines 7 592

3 H. Gaines 9 564

INDIANA

ILLINOIS

5 B. Hebenstreit 39 353

4 R. Evans 12 353

6 J. Bolt 17 341

7 C. Sarver

KANSAS

MASSACHUSETTS

MARYLAND

Graves 10 4702

M. Warner

MICHIGAN

MINNESOTA

MISSOURI

MONTANA

MISSISSIPPI

NORTH

CAROLINA

NEBRASKA

PENNSYLVANIA

NEW

HAMPSHIRE

NEW YORK

3 T. Belcher 10 2668 4 W. Quick 12 2517 5 T. Seymour 11 1786 6 T. Wagner 48 1372 7 R. Jakobsen 11 1263 8 M. Tonkovich 14 1234

R. Markarian 54 1152 10 E. Tilley 14 861

NEW JERSEY

NEVADA

NEW MEXICO

CRUISER 1 K. Gray 9 2752 2 K. Swan 16 1794 3 K. Wexler 16 1489 4 O. Tilley 12 935

5 S. Tilley 12 932

6 M. Morris 47 704

7 V. Mcmillen 42 561 9 W. 445

E. Dye 12 445 10 C. Pappas 57 436

OKLAHOMA

Ok01

1 C. Prescott 10 5082

2 C. Prescott 8 4681

3 C. Prescott 13 3888 4 A. Harwick 16 3743 5 A. Jellison 15 3658 6 C. Craig 12 3192

M. Loveless 14 3090 8 D. Loveless 10 3047 9 R. Long 10 2783

10 J. Rogers 11 2630

GIRLS 1 R. Evans 6 5541 2 C. Cole 12 4836 3 K. Shouse 5 4603 4 A. Shouse 9 3764 5 K. Sherrill-Hill 15 3412 6 A. Jarvis 13 2840 7 L. Lewis 9 1742 8 L. Brown 8 1739

OHIO

7 K. White 7 1015 8 A. Harwick 16 893 9 C. Daily 41 888 10 T. Jackson 16 672 GIRLS CRUISER

C. Cole 12 3448 2 J. Harwick 43 1731

3 J. Stephens 57 1716 4 K. Sherrill-Hill 15 1656 5 A. Jarvis 13 1499 6 A. Shouse 9 1362

E. Mcdaniel 13 1238

L. Lewis 9 897 9 L. Holaday 33 799 10 C. Netherton 33 87 Ok02 BOYS 1 J. Marang 10 6544

2 J. Baker 9 5805

3 M. Goodner 7 5719

4 Z. Yeubanks 9 5031

OREGON

RHODE ISLAND

TEXAS

SOUTH CAROLINA

TENNESSEE

SOUTH DAKOTA

1380

C. Purdy 35 960

D. Kelsey 38 956

UTAH

Z. Randall 38 1181

P. Roubinet 42 1111 7 T. Nielsen 15 1083 8 L. Hunt 12 917

K. Tulin 55 837 10 G. Jex 16 753 GIRLS 1 D. Robinson 14 818

2 O. Robinson 10 556

3 A. Roubinet 16 525

4 V. Bohmert 11 483

5 H. Farnsworth 6 203

6 K. Munn 16 67 7 V. Jolley 37 27

8 A. Christensen 10 12 CRUISER

1 P. Gleave 13 1865

2 R. Blackburn 38 872

3 O. Blackburn 8 827

4 Z. Randall 38 745

5 P. Roubinet 42 650

6 M. Duarte 41 442

7 B. Roubinet 13 399

8 B. Jolley 41 199

9 D. Jennings 43 146

10 K. Tulin 55 146

GIRLS CRUISER

1 D. Robinson 14 1051

2 A. Roubinet 16 680

3 O. Robinson 10 463

4 H. Farnsworth 6 267

5 V. Jolley 37 198

Ut02

BOYS

1 J. Brocker 16 6477

2 R. Cordova 12 5223

3 J. Winder 8 5216

4 I. Ledesma 15 5162

5 T. Vrotney 11 4368

6 N. Thomson 10 4348

7 S. Yager 59 3473

8 R. Larkin 14 3404

9 Z. Smith 15 3322

10 P. Radford 15 3282

GIRLS

1 B. Van Renselaar 3749

2 A. Coon 13 3660

3 M. Oliver 11 3202

4 R. Smith 14 2392

5 A. Roberts 17 2288

6 K. Van Renselaar 2167

7 H. Wilson 11 1846

8 R. Herrera 15 1544

9 E. Martin 10 1431

10 V. Roberts 20 1306 CRUISER 1 J. Winder 8 5650

2 I. Ledesma 15 4120

3 T. Vrotney 11 3907

4 N. Thomson 10 3690

5 K. Vrotney 13 3614

6 S. Yager 59 3390

7 R. Coon 14 3258

8 C. Cummings 9 3134

9 H. Thomson 15 2173

10 P. Radford 15 2051

GIRLS CRUISER

1 A. Coon 13 3635

2 A. Gleave 59 1543

3 M. Oliver 11 1505

4 V. Roberts 20 1489

5 D. Fotheringham 1245

6 K. Van Renselaar 1060

7 R. Hall 51 630

8 L. Biles 26 588

9 C. Baumgart 23 532

10 H. Wilson 11 372

Ut03

BOYS

1 K. Christen 12 4468

2 G. Gardner 12 3734

VERMONT

VIRGINIA

WISCONSIN

WEST VIRGINIA

BRITISH COLUMBIA

QUEBEC

14 405

WYOMING

CRUISER

1 D. Archambault 14 210

2 E. Kudzman Lussier 132

3 S. Lussier 50 129

4 M. Perkins 43 99

5 J. Forget 44 66

GIRLS CRUISER

1 M. Lessard 45 66

2 B. Mayer 41 66

ONTARIO

On01 BOYS 1 R. Cormier 17 1830

2 E. Hunt 16 1200

3 R. Boisvert 13 1028

4 M. Schaubel 16 932

5 S. Boisvert 11 908

6 R. Halle 17 805

7 J. Leonetti 9 710

8 Y. Boisvert 8 589

9 C. Schaubel 14 488

10 D. Thomas 39 417

GIRLS

1 S. Walter 14 525

2 T. Rickey 18 492

3 E. Fleming 13 384

4 N. Kriz 9 295

5 L. Hunt 11 288

6 A. Fleming 7 152

7 S. Bidwell 17 138

8 J. Lafrance 18 103

9 M. Nebesny 10 91

10 C. Henry 11 84

CRUISER

1 R. Carney 53 189

2 S. Carney 52 149

3 M. Halle 54 144

4 E. Hunt 55 144

5 G.

ALBERTA

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