BMX Nation Issue 2 by Joel Cook

VOLUME 1 • ISSUE 1 Presorted Std U.S. Postage PAID Permit 2397 Tampa FL

NBL NEWS »

NBL Amateur Race programs National Championship Series

Challenge Championship Series

» Qualifications & Scoring

» Qualifications

Each rider must have six (6) Series races to qualify. Rookies may participate and are eligible for all the incentive awards but they will not get plated in this series. Requirements for other classes are as follows.

Challenge (Novice)

• Four (4) of the Six (6) races must be NBL National Championship Series races and two (2) may be NBL Challenge Championship Series races. In addition, a rider must have three (3) local, races to qualify. • Riders will be scored based upon the best six (6) total scores; two (2) Challenge Championship Series race may be used for calculating points.

Experts

• Four (4) of the Six (6) races must be NBL National Championship Series races and two (2) may be an NBL Challenge Championship Series races. • Riders will be scored based upon the best six (6) total scores and one (1) may be an NBL Challenge Championship Series race.

SuperEx

• Six (6) races must be NBL National Championship Series races and NO NBL Challenge Championship Series races will be used for qualifications. • Riders will be scored based upon the best six (6) total scores and NO NBL Challenge Championship Series race will be used for calculating points. • SuperEx will race Expert class of same age (year of birth) if not enough to make own class. SuperEx will be pointed as they cross – Experts will be pointed separately.

• Each rider must have a total of ten (10) race entries with a minimum of one (1) NBL Challenge Championship Series and five (5) local, single-point races to qualify. • Any other race, ie. local, state, Challenge, or National Championship Series, can be used for the remaining 4 races to qualify. • Riders will receive quad points for Challenge Championship Series races and triple points for the National Championship Series races. The pre-race at each series will remain a triple local point race. The Regional Championship will continue to count as a qualifying race for the National Championship Series for that current season’s Grands.

» Scoring

• Riders will be scored based upon the best six (6) total scores; however, only one (1) double point, (1) triple point and one (1) quad point race in calculating their score.

LEAP Series

» Track Qualifications

• Each Track must hold a total of fifteen (15) races in each calendar year to qualify. • State, Challenge, or National Championship Series, can not be used.

» rider Qualifications

• Each Rider must race a minimum of eight (8) races at each track during the current season to qualify for LEAP points under that track. • State, Challenge, and National Championship Series, can will count toward LEAP points at the track in which it was held.

may participate and are eligible for all the incentive awards but they will not get plated in » scoring »thisRookies series.

» Only the top 25 riders in each class would be permitted to race a plate with 1-25 as their number.

• Riders will be scored based upon their total scores from each track; the top 10 Rookie, Challengers, Experts, and Cruisers.

7 www.nbl.org

November 27- 28 November 27-28 December 27

December 27

December 28- 29

January 2928-29 -30 December

Thanksgiving Classic

TN Thanksgiving Classic Morristown, Morristown, TN

President’s Cup

Columbus, OH

Christmas Classic

Columbus, OH

President’s Cup

Columbus, OH

Cat 2

Elite Open

Indy Indoor IN Cat 3 Christmas Classic Indianapolis,Columbus, OH

Elite Cat Open 2

March 5

NationsTour #1

Primm, NV

March 6

Stateline National

Primm, NV

January 29-30 March March 5 19 -20 April 26 -3 March

Indy Indoor

Fort Walton Beach, FL

January 15-16

Virginia Horse Center

Lexington, VA

February 26- 27

Lexington BMX

Lexington, SC

Virgin, UT Lexington, SC

W SE

January 15-16

April 9- 10 February 26-27 April 16- 17

Virginia Horse Center

Virgin RegionalBMX BMX Lexington

Fort Walton Beach, FL SE SE Lexington, VA

April 9-10

Virgin Regional BMX

Morristown BMX

Morristown, TN

Winchester, VA

Virgin, UT

Winchester BMX

Primm, Peachtree City, GA NV Cat 2

Elite Open

April May 16-17 7-8

Morristown BMX East Moline BMX Speedway

East Morristown, Moline, IL TN

MWSE

Roadrunner Nationals Stateline National Las Cruces, NM Primm, NV Cat 3

Elite Cat Open 4

May 16-17 7-8 April

Central Jersey BMX BMX Winchester

Howell, NJ Winchester, VA

NENE

Nellis BMX

Las Vegas, NV

Waukegan BMX

Waukegan, IL

Central Jersey Air Time BMXBMX

Howell, Reedley, CA NJ

W NE

Cleves, OH

McDonough, GA

NationsTour Georgia Peach Nationals #1

NationsTour #2

Petersburg, VA

Georgia Peach Nationals

Sarasota, FL

Cat 1

Peachtree City, GA

Roadrunner Easter Classic Nationals Sarasota, FL Las Cruces, NM Cat 4 Gator Nationals

FL Cat 3 Freedom Nationals West Palm Beach, Petersburg, VA

May 14 -15

Dixieland Nationals

May 14- 15

All-American Nationals

April 23

Emerald Coast Dirt & Vert

April 16- 17

April 23

April 30 - May 1 April 2-3

Cat 3

Emerald Coast Dirt & Vert

Elite Open

Freedom Nationals

April April2-3 24

Indianapolis, IN

November 6- 7 November 6-7

Cat 4

April 2 -3

March 19-20

Elite Open

NationsTour #2

Elite Open

Cat 2

May 21-22

East Moline BMX Speedway

East Moline, IL

3 Elite Cat Open

May May7-8 28-29

Elite Open

Cat 1

June 4-5 May 7-8

Cleves BMX

June 4-5

Sandy Ridge BMX

June 4-5

Catamount BMX

Bennington, VT

June28-29 18-19 May

Columbus Air Time BMX BMX

Columbus, INCA Reedley,

MWW

July 2-3

Livermore BMX

Livermore, CA

Clemmons, NC

Cat 1

Elite Open

Fresno, CA

Cat 2

Elite Open

Sarasota, FL

May 7-8

May 21-22

Nellis BMX

Las Vegas, NV

Waukegan BMX

Waukegan, IL

May 24 28 -29 April

Memorial Easter ClassicClassic

Pottstown, PA Sarasota, FL Cat 2

Elite Cat Open 4

June 11 -12

Empire Nationals

New Paltz, NY

Cat 3

Elite Open

June 11 -12

SoCal Nationals

Lucerne, CA

Cat 1

Elite Open

July 23-24

SE Challenge Championships

Pelham, AL

May June14-15 25

Dixieland Clemmons, NC NationsTour #3 Nationals TBA - Midwest

Cat 1

June 4-5 July 23-24

Sandy Ridge BMX NE Challenge Championships

McDonough, GA Bethel, CT

NE SE

June14-15 26 May

Midwest National Nationals TBA - Midwest All-American Fresno, CA Cat 4

Elite Cat Open 2

July 23-24 June 4-5

MW Challenge Championships Catamount BMX

Grand Rapids, MIVT Bennington,

MWNE

Cat 2

June 18-19

July 23-24

West Challenge Championships

Kernville, CA

April 30-May 1

Gator Nationals

West Palm Beach, FL

July 9

NationsTour #4

Pittsburgh, PA

July 10

Stars N Stripes National

Pittsburgh, PA

May 28-29 June 11-12 July 16 -17 July 30 -31

June 11-12 August 13 -14

June 25

August 13 -14

September 3- 4 June 26

Memorial Classic

Pottstown, PA

Cat 3

Cat 4

Elite Open

Nationals Evansville, INNew Paltz, NY Hoosier Empire Nationals Cat 1

3 Elite Cat Open

Great Lakes Nationals

Waterford, MI

Cat 2

Elite Open

Catskill Mountain Nationals

Kingston, NY

Cat 1

Elite Open

SoCal Nationals NationsTour #3

Golden State Nationals

Lucerne, CA

TBA - Midwest

Prunedale, CA

Cat 1

Cat 3

Elite Open

Grand Midwest National National Louisville, KYTBA - Midwest Cat 4

Elite Cat Open 4

EXPLANATION OF ELITE OPEN July 9 NationsTour #4 SERIES

Pittsburgh, PA

The Elite Open Series will be a Pro Series completely separate from the NationsTour races. Elite Open classes will be offered AA-Elite Women, A-Elite, Masters & SuperEx riders. PA July 10 at every National for AA-Elite Men, Stars N Stripes National Pittsburgh, Cat 4

June 4-5

Cleves BMX

Cleves, OH

Columbus BMX

Columbus, IN

The Sunday race (July 24th) after the Challenge Championships will be a bonus National in each region. The race will be run like a normal National with no virtual teamsheets and will July 2-3 towards the rider’s National Livermore BMX Livermore, CA count qualifying races.

July 23-24 SE Challenge Championships EXPLANATION OF NATIONAL

Pelham, AL CATEGORIES

MW W SE

At the root of the new categories is the idea of a “virtual teamsheet”. Every rider at the race will be randomly

July 23-24 NEwill Challenge Championships Bethel, placed on a team. This team be separate from normal teams. Each rider will stillCT be scored normally NE for

National points. The virtual team will give every rider in attendance a chance at an additional award of the day.

July 23-24 MW Challenge Championships Grand MI MW Category 1: Mixed Doubles - The virtual teamsheet Category 3: ProAm - TheRapids, virtual teamsheet will pair

will pair every boy with a girl to form “fantasy mixed every Am regardless of proficiency with a Pro rider. The doubles” teams of a varying number (probably 7 or winning virtual team will split a prize valued at $2000. July 23-24 West Challenge Kernville, Won 8). The winning virtual team will receive a prizeChampionships of Category 4: Super ProAm - CA One-day events held $2000 or almost $300 per rider. Sunday after the NationsTour Pro races. Worth double Category 2: Team Spectacular - No after virtual the ChallengeNational points. The will virtual The Sunday race (July 24th) Championships beteamsheet a bonuswill work the teamsheets. Top teams will share a bulked-up purse. same as at ProAm races but with a $4000 prize.

National in each region. The race will be run like a normal National with no virtual teamsheets and will count towards the rider’s National qualifying races.

The Thanksgiving Classic & ECDV Regional will fall under the New NBL. If you convert your membership at or before those races, you get that race free along with the President’s Cup and the Christmas Classic – a $300 value, FREE!

July 16-17

Hoosier Nationals

Evansville, IN

Cat 1

July 30-31

Great Lakes Nationals

Waterford, MI

Cat 2

August 13-14

Catskill Mountain Nationals

Kingston, NY

Cat 1

August 13-14

Golden State Nationals

Prunedale, CA

Cat 3

Grand National

Louisville, KY

Cat 4

September 3-4

For more information on upcoming events go to

www.nbl.org

EXPLANATION OF NATIONAL CATEGORIES At the root of the new categories is the idea of a “virtual teamsheet”. Every rider at the race will be randomly placed on a team. This team will be separate from normal teams. Each rider will still be scored normally for National points. The virtual team will give every rider in attendance a chance at an additional award of the day. Category 1: Mixed Doubles - The virtual teamsheet will pair every boy with a girl to form “fantasy mixed doubles” teams of a varying number (probably 7 or 8). The winning virtual team will receive a prize of $2000 or almost $300 per rider. Category 2: Team Spectacular - No virtual teamsheets. Top teams will share a bulked-up purse.

Category 3: ProAm - The virtual teamsheet will pair every Am regardless of proficiency with a Pro rider. The winning virtual team will split a prize valued at $2000. Category 4: Super ProAm - One-day events held on Sunday after the NationsTour Pro races. Worth double National points. The virtual teamsheet will work the same as at ProAm races but with a $4000 prize.

contents »

IN THIS ISSUE

» 26-30

Feature Interview with MARIS STROMBERGS

Maris is having a banner year for the Free Agent/Rockstar team. He has clinched the BMX UCI World Championship and he recently received his second NORA Cup just after winning the NBL title. We had a chance to sit down with the champ and talk recently in Las Vegas at Nellis BMX while attending the 2010 Interbike tradeshow.

» 16

rider spotlight

We asked the top three 6 experts, Andrew Sperano, Landon Garrett and Braydon Cromwell 6 questions. Get to know these talented young racers as they reveal their strengths and weaknesses as well as their favorite dessert.

» 20-25

THE 2010 NBL GRANDS

This one race is as meaningful as it gets. This one defines the entire season for each and every age and class in BMX. BMX NATION has the full report from Louisville.

» 18

In Every Issue » 6-7 NBL News » 12 Road to Glory » 13 Down in the Dirt » 14 Champions Corner » 34-39 Products » 40-41 NBL Track Directory » 42-43 From the Fence

INTERVIEW WITH MATT POHLKAMP

After 13 years as an Elite rider “Mr. Consistent” recently announced his decision to retire from the Elite ranks and reclassify to the Elite Masters class. Shortly after the Grands we had a chance to sit down with the “Ruckus” to find out more. Cover Model: Maris Strombergs Photo: Mike Floyd

» 32-33

iNDUSTRY PROFILE

From their first launch of the HPR20 to the new dR replica Hyper Bike Co. continues to bring innovative products to market. See how a $100 investment and a vision has turned into one of the largest bike manufactures in the world.

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profileracing.com BMX NATION • www.bmxnat.com

LETTER FROM THE NBL »

Why I’ve Never Heard of This Before? Pop Quiz: How many kids participate in amateur sports in America? A. Five (5) Million B. Ten (15) Million C. Twenty Five (25) Million D. All of the above

Publisher Mike Floyd Office Manager Dede Floyd Sales Derek Floyd Art Director Joel Cook Production Tony Cartagena

Answer: D

credits:

Multimedia Anthony Sassano Brandon Hyde

hen you add that up, that means that 45 Million (that’s right, ‘Million’ with a big capital ‘M’) kids are active in amateur sports each year in America. I suppose it should not come as too big a surprise, but in all honesty, I was not expecting the numbers to be so big. That statistic comes from the National Council of Youth Sports Survey of 2008. What surprised me more was when I looked at a report that Michigan State University did for the President’s Council on Physical Fitness which showed of the total kids involved in amateur sports, only about 20% were in school-based programs. The rest were involved in clubs, leagues and other non-school recreational programs.

Distribution Doug Mcgee Photographers Jerry Landrum Jarred Huffman Contributors Jenn Sheppard Chase Campbell Harrison Britt Jerry Landrum Greg Davis Al Roybal Justin Travis

Do the math: That means that over 35 Million kids are involved in amateur sports outside of the school. Wow! So how many of those millions of kids are active in BMX racing. Hmm... that number is equally surprising, but not because it’s a high one. Fact is we’re in the tens of thousands column, not the tens of millions column. So what does that tell us. Well, I don’t know about you, but it tells me there are millions of kids who could benefit from our great sport, if only they knew about it. Without fail, when I bring an outsider to take a look at BMX racing for the first time, I get two consistent responses: 1. “This is incredible!” or something along those lines, and 2. “Why have I never heard of this before?” Ouch. What’s interesting is that the first response is right on. What hurts is that the second response says it all. Another ‘Oucher’ is whenever I get some official form to fill out it’s hard to find BMX racing listed as a sport. In one instance, I had to go through two pages of double columns with the names of all sorts of sports listed (in small print) only to have to check the very last box on the bottom of the second page:” ___ Other”. It was a shame to have to ‘write in’ BMX racing- especially since this form was from an organization that worked specifically in the sports industry. But how did the other ‘major’ sports become major in the first place? Is it because they are better? More exciting? More interesting? More engaging? More demanding or athletic? I say ‘No’ to all of those. Are you kidding? BMX racing is way more exciting and engaging and athletic than football, baseball, basketball or soccer. We know that, but do those other 35 Million kids know that? Again, the answer is ‘No’. So it’s not the sport itself that’s the problem- what our sport suffers from is lack of exposure to the rest of the world. One of the main goals of the NBL is to grow this sport, and with our grassroots programs, we are aiming to do just that, but it’s time we get this sport out of the backyards and back lots and into the mainstream. Much of the changes we have implemented are geared

NBL Office & Field Staff CEO Gary Aragon garagon@nbl.org Director of Marketing & Public Relations Jess Moore jessmoore@nbl.org Director of Planning & Innovations Erma Miller emiller@nbl.org Director of National Field Operations Don Wagner dwagner@nbl.org

towards reaching the unreached. One main change was in the way we do business. No other major amateur sport that I know of charges kids every time they want to play. That one disconnect with the rest of the sports world is major, as most households are of the mindset to pay a fee for the whole season, not pieces of it. I realize this does not translate well to everyone, but with those millions of kids out there comes the exposure and thus the support this sport needs. We have an amazing sport which everyone from every walk of life can enjoy. It’s not just a family sport, its a family participation sport. And the fact is, that many families in America would gladly get involved given the opportunity, and our goal is to reach them in 2011. So keep your eyes open for promotions and marketing the likes of which our sport has never seen, as we set out to achieve our goal and extend this opportunity to more children and families than ever before. See you at the races!

Gary Aragon • nbl ceo

Director of Operations Connie Shepler cshepler@nbl.org Director of Track Operations & Development Donna Smith dsmith@nbl.org Director of Membership Angel Dorr adorr@nbl.org Director of Accounting Jan Moore jmoore@nbl.org Director of West Coast Track Development Cody Wilson cwilson@nbl.org

BMX NATION Magazine is published monthly 10 issues with Sept/Oct and Jan/ Feb combined issues. Letters, Questions and Comments can be sent to us at: 702 W. Dr. MLK Jr. Blvd., Plant City, FL 33563 or email them to info@bmxnat.com. Advertisers warrant and represent the descriptions of their products advertised are true in all respects. BMX NATION Magazine assumes no responsibility for claims made by advertisers. All letters and their contents sent to BMX NATION Magazine become the sole property of Floyd Publications, Inc and may be reproduced thereof. All views expressed in all articles are those of the authors and not necessarily those of Floyd Publications, Inc . Use or duplication of material used in this publication is prohibited without approved written consent from Floyd Publications, Inc .

BMX NATION • www.bmxnat.com

ROYNUTS »

Road to Glory

MX! It has kept me in good shape health-wise, allowed me to see the world and meet some amazing people. Don’t get me wrong now, I have spent a couple nights in the hospital too because of this darn bike, but those are far and few between. I’ve seen the world all the while sitting on the seat of a 20-inch bike. Been threw Mexico, Central America, Brazil and up into Canada. I’ve flown across the ponds to hit up races in Australia and England. Yes, I have traveled a bit racing this BMX thing, and it’s been a lot of fun, fury and just plain madness. The Road to Glory series of stories will concern the road traveled and the wild happenings along the way. When I’m on the road with my crazy cast of characters (who I know you will grow to love, hate and want to road trip with) the most random things happen. That’s the only way I know how to explain the road. It’s just crazy sometimes. Are these stories true? I believe they are. I will tell them just as I remember them. The names of the players, names of the cities and a little sugar to sweeten up. Of course I’ll never let the truth get in the way of a good story, as well. So I’ll let you decide as I try my best to lay out the facts. A great chef will tell you that ingredients for a fine dinner all come together and complement each other, but sometimes after washing, steaming, broiling and boiling some of those ingredients .... well, sometimes something changes, and your dinner doesn’t turn out quite the way you thought it

by Al “Roynuts” Roybal

should. But you cooked it, you ate it and sometimes you even loved it. That’s how the Road to Glory is. All I do is put the ingredients together, and sometimes we’ll have a feast. Let’s meet the ingredients for this edition of Road to Glory. Nick Valencia: Nick is painfully honest. He holds no punches. He’s a Nor Cal baller, a track director, a city employee and an all-around rider. He’s a Team USA member and got two seconds at this year’s Grands. Needless to say, he’s pretty legit. Robert Riofrio: There was a time in his life when he was the first to hit the track. Nowadays, Rob is a schoolteacher and a bit more on the conservative side as he asks the Lord above for good lanes and better laps. We just roll with it. You see, Rob is smarter than the rest of us and is at times our voice for reason. Jamie Lilly: She’s won more titles than you have, and she is the host of a TV show. Yes, Jamie has done it all in BMX, and that’s sprinkled with truth. Myself: An announcer. A rider. A poor choice maker. Handsome. Smart. Debonair. I’m a simple man who likes his bikes like his girl – strong, heavy and even a little dirty. Paint doesn’t have to be pretty, but the welds need to be solid. I believe if you never raced in flats, you just don’t understand. I believe Bob Tedesco’s shorts were much too short. I live by three rules. Three that don’t break or bend. 1) Brian Foster is the greatest of all time. 2) Linda Dorsey lives in all of us. 3) You can steal my heart, car, wife and children, but please don’t mess with my bike, or we’ll have problems! If you understand those road rules, we’ll probably get along just fine – dagnabbit! Looks like my 750 words are up, so y’all are gonna have to wait till next month for “California to Louisville 2009.”

track dirt »

down in the dirt

he summer sun is fading away and the fall weather has quickly taken effect at most of our tracks across the nation. With the cooler temperatures, the state programs coming to a close, and Thanksgiving just around the corner will give everyone a quick few weeks to gear up the body & bikes and getting ready for the 2011 National Championship Series. Just a few weeks ago the new national champions were crossing the finish line in Louisville, KY and those fresh new number 1 riders can now head out and defend their titles starting Thanksgiving weekend in Morristown, TN followed by Christmas in Columbus, OH. The NBL Challenge Series will kick off before the National Championship Series in the Southeast Region the first weekend in November with the ECD crew led by Bill Madden in Fort Walton Beach, FL. After the first day of racing on Saturday evening Emerald Coast will host a Dirt Jump Contest with 100% payback for the “stud” class. Tracks across the U.S. are getting ready to start signing kids up to Join The Nation with All-YouCan-Ride memberships. With 3 levels to choose from and racing starting as low as $99.00 for the year it gives kids a chance to try racing at the local level and makes racing at the national level reachable for hundreds that have missed out on the taste of a national win. Families will save big money so hurry out to your track before January 1 and sign up early to get a $50 gift that includes a cinch bag, a t-shirt, an embroidered hat, a lanyard, a dog-tag, and some ‘Silly Bandz’ custom made in the form of a bike and logo. All of these items will carry the Join The Nation theme and new NBL logo. The first weekend of October Nellis BMX in Las Vegas, NV hosted the NV State Championship

by Cody Wilson

and the following weekend the Golden State Series had their finals in Lucerne Valley, CA in the X-Roads BMX facility. The NBL presence is back in the state of Arizona with Jeff Faunce and his hard working crew getting the new Safford, AZ track ready for racing in the near future. The track has dual start hills and first 3 straights so the next time your near the Graham County Fairgrounds make the stop by and check it out. Air Time BMX is hitting the streets to encourage kids to come out to some fall open houses in a huge recruitment campaign in the central valley of California. Ohio Dreams already has tracks signing up riders for 2011 summer camps so remember to get some info from your local track director. You can check out Ohiodreams.com to learn more about the official training camp of the NBL and future starts clinics in 2011. If your local track has something great to share with the nation please e-mail the details so your items can make this monthly column. Each month the latest and greatest items happening around the country with the NBL family of tracks will be featured. Please send me a shout at cwilson@nbl.org and I will help you spread the word about your programs.

riding tips »

» Step 4 keep your weight centered and use your legs to pump through the middle of the jump.

» Step 3 » Step 2 stay tall and relaxed until your front wheel comes off the lip then lean back and straighten your arms

“Pull” your rear wheel over the top of the lip by bending your knees up into your body

CHAMPION’S CORNER:

ast issue we worked on learning how to manual on flat ground. If you have been practicing, then you have learned one of the most important skills in BMX. This month we are going to take manualing

to the track. Don’t worry, manualing on the track can be a little scarier but it is actually easier because a jump will help you get into the proper form and stay there for the length of the manual. Check out the easy-to-follow steps and pictures from the Ohio Dreams pump track to learn how to manual on

By: Justin Travis

the track.

EIGHT Steps to MANUALING ON THE TRACK 1

Start by finding a small to medium-sized double or step-up that has a nice roll to it.

Approach the jump at a medium speed. If you are going too slow then you won’t make it all the way across.

Keep your body tall and over the center of your bike to start. As your front wheel leaves the top of the lip, lean your shoulders and body back and extend your arms. Keeping your arms extended is important because it keeps your body weight towards the back of your bike.

Use your legs to “pull” your rear wheel over the lip by bringing your knees up towards your chest.

Once your rear wheel is over the lip, push your legs down to pump through the jump and gain speed. When your front wheel makes it to the other side of the jump, start to set it down and lean forward so you can pump down the backside for even more speed.

Keep one finger on your brake lever to slow yourself down or help to bring your front wheel down if you get out of control. Remember, if you feel yourself flipping over backwards just jump off your bike and safely run out.

Practice this until you can manual all the way across the jump, then you can pick up your speed and learn to manual more jumps. Since manualing is faster than pumping, you don’t have to slow down and worry about bouncing if you are going too fast to “regular pump” smoothly.

Learn this skill WITHOUT the use of clip style pedals. Mastering this skill without clips will greatly improve your bike handling skills both on and off the track.

Being able to manual smoothly whenever you want is very important to your track speed and being able to go fast and win races. See you at the races!

Watch the NBL website this month for the video version of Manualing part one in the Champions Corner video’s brought to you by Action Sport Coaching.

BMX NATION • www.bmxnat.com

rider spottlight »

Andrew Sperano Nickname: The Terminator Hometown: Dallas, GA Age (Class): 6 Expert What is your local track and how often do you ride there? Peachtree City, GA / a couple of times a month.

Check me out at http://www.hookit.com/ members/andrewsperano/about/

What got you interested in BMX in the beginning? When I was 2, I went and watched my cousin, Tyler Knight from FL, at a National in GA. I kept telling my mom and dad all day I want to ride the track and by the end of the day they bought me my first bike. It was a used bike that was for sale, but it was a race bike.

Landon Garrett Nickname: Monkey Hometown: Sarasota, Fl. Age (Class): 6 Expert What is your local track and how often do you ride there? Sarasota BMX, 4 times a week What got you interested in BMX in the beginning? My brother raced, and my dad raced when he was younger...

Braydon Cromwell Nickname: Battlin Braydon Hometown: Lee’s Summit MO Age (Class): 6 Expert & 8 and under cruiser What is your local track and how often do you ride there? Our local track is Raytown, and we race 4 nights a week. What got you interested in BMX in the beginning? I was riding my bike with no training wheels at 3 yrs old and racing at 4. My dad raced when he was a kid too so he got me into it. What about the sport has kept you

What about the sport has kept you interested If I gave you $100 right now, what would you buy with it? and made you want to continue? Learning new skills and making friends from all video games, monster truck and Bakugons over the country. What is the best advice you’ve received On the track, what parts of racing have come since you started racing? Dominique Daniels-She told me to win the race naturally so far and what parts do you think in my head first and then go out and win the you need the most work on? Naturally-gates and the rhythm section; need to race on the track and Barry Nobles- he always tells me I can do it! work on-maunaling and jumping

Favorite

Track: Derby City, Louisville KY Pro: Have 3 can’t choose, Alise Post, Dominique Daniels and my man Barry Nobles Subject in School: math Food: pasta and lobster Dessert: chocolate lava cake Drink: Sprite Sports: Team to Watch: Georgia Tech Movie: Transformers

TV Show: SpongeBob Band (or type of music): Hip Hop Racing Memory: Winning the 2010 Grand’s, my parents are buying me a dirt bike!! I would like to thank John Schanewolf of Schanewolf Cycle Sports for giving me the opportunity to ride on his team this year. Also, Thanks to Rob McAllister for giving me the opportunity to ride for the New Factory Black Crown Team in 2011!

What about the sport has kept you interested and made you want to continue? Racing, and traveling

If I gave you $100 right now, what would you buy with it? Buy some parts for my bike.

On the track, what parts of racing have come naturally so far and what parts do you think you need the most work on? My gates come natural, I work a lot on my pumping and pedaling around the corners....

What is the best advice you’ve received since you started racing? Get pedals anywhere you can...

Favorite

Track: Okeeheelee, Sarasota, & Derby City BMX Pro: My coach Percy Owens, C.J. Mcquire, & Harrison Britt Subject in School: Math Food: Tacos Dessert: Ice Cream Drink: Water, Propel Sports Team to Watch: Alabama Football

Movie: 2010,2009,2008 Florida State highlights DVD made by Rich M. TV Show: X-Games Band (or type of music): AC/DC Racing Memory: Winning 2009 National #1 Sponsors: Young Guns BMX. com. SSquared. Supercross, Anwers, Fly racing and Dragon wheels

interested and made you want to continue? I like to ride and race. There is a big group of kids my age that race here in KC and they are all good, so we got to race each other almost every night. On the track, what parts of racing have come naturally so far and what parts do you think you need the most work on? I can manual and peddle manual really good. I can also jump pretty good but I need to work on passing as I usually start in the spot near the

front and stay in it.

Favorite

Band (or type of music): Jason Derulo Racing Memory: Going 1-1-1-2 at NBL Grands in 2010. My friend Andrew beat me in the main but, Olijuwon Davis and JonJon Rapp were at the finish line waiting for me to tell me good job…I was a little upset to get beat but I loved the track and had fun with my friends so it was okay. Sponsors: I ride for Factory Mike’s Bikes/SX/FLY this year for the other series nationals but they do not do any NBL races….hope the rest of the team will join me for the 2011 season

Track: NBL Grands Louisville Kentucky Pro: Olijuwon Davis and Tyshawn Carr Subject in School: Math Food: Salad, I eat really healthy so I stay skinny Dessert: Vanilla Ice Cream Drink: Jarritos lime Mexican soda pop Sports Team to Watch: Raytown BlueJays Movie: Monsters vs Aliens TV Show: Phineas and Ferb

If I gave you $100 right now, what would you buy with it? I would get my ears pierced and buy some more silly bands What is the best advice you’ve received since you started racing? Never EVER quit…. my dad doesn’t care if I loose but he is not happy if I don’t try

rider spottlight »

Matt Pohlkamp

Interview by Greg Davis

34 years of age. Home town: Cincinnati, OH Currently residing in Los Angeles, CA

ew BMX pros have been as consistent as Matt Pohlkamp. Even fewer have stayed that consistent for nearly a decade and a half. For the bulk of his Elite career, he’s stayed in the top ten, and he’s done this in near isolation, while he quietly trained and honed his skills in Cincinnati, Ohio. Perhaps one of Pohlkamp’s greatest skills is his intense focus on his goal. After making both of his mains at this year’s NBL Grandnational in Louisville, Kentucky, Pohlkamp privately told BMX Nation Magazine of his intension to retire from the Elite ranks and reclassify to the Elite Masters class. Shortly after the Grands, BMX Nation caught up with the “Ruckus” to find out more. BMX Nation: Obviously, a lot of thought must have gone into your big decision. Could you share any of it with our readers? Matt: Yes, this is a big move for me, you know? I’ve been competing in the AA Pro/ Elite class for over 13 years. That’s a long time. To be competitive year in and year out for so long is soooo much physical, emotional and mental work that it really takes its toll and can consume your life. Life is not only BMX. In my opinion, once you get to a certain point, you have to have balance in your life or you will go insane and make it hard on those around you. BMX Nation: Who has been the most influential person in your life (in BMX and outside of it)? Matt: I’ve been very blessed to have a lot of influential people in my life. It would be unfair to just name one. My Mom, Dad, brothers and sisters have all influenced me. My wife, Jessica, has introduced me to things I never would have even thought about (don’t worry good things!), German Medina, Bill Grad my friends…A lot of people have had a big impact on who I am. BMX Nation: You have been one of the most consistent Elite riders out there. Are there any particular races that stick out as favorites? Why? Matt: My favorites have always been the Christmas race in Columbus, South Park and the Grands in Louisville. Those three races I just always had fun at. The tracks are usually pretty good and it I just have always gotten a good vibe at those races. My goal was to get a win at least once at each but I came up a little short…I won South Park and got 2nd in Columbus and Louisville. Almost! BMX Nation: Do you have a favorite year in your career? Which one? Matt: Hmmmmm…to be honest they were all pretty good. 1997 was a good one. That’s when I finally got my breakthrough win in Salt Lake. After that I went on a “killing spree” and won a bunch of races and was just on a roll, knowing that I was going to win before I even got to the track for practice on Friday. I know other guys have experienced that, and it’s a pretty good feeling. 1999 was a good one too. A lot of guys were in the six figure club. I think every year had something that stood out and I’ll remember forever.

BMX Nation: You’ve probably raced a thousand different tracks. Do you have a favorite or favorites? Matt: South Park and Louisville. BMX Nation: Over the course of your time in Elite, do you have a favorite competitor? Which pro did you or do you admire most? Matt: That’s kind of a hard question…I going to be straight up and say that my favorite competitor was every rider that finished behind me in my entire 13 years! I really admired the Foster Bros. because they were like big brothers to me. We traveled the world, and they showed me the ropes. The funny thing is I would room with Brian Foster when we were on Schwinn together and it would be 5am on Sunday morning before the race. I’d be all ready to go with my protein/ carb shake getting pumped up…doing mental laps, visualizing the win, and I would look over at Brian who was 6’2” and 145lbs soaking wet, just thinking to myself, “There is a really good chance that this dude who looks the complete opposite of what a professional athlete should look like is probably not only going to beat me today, but he is going to wax the rest of the best in the world too, THEN go win the X Games dirt jumping event next week as well”. Dang. God bless him!

of the individual riders, you know? My goal was/ is longevity. I competed and was competitive for 13 years at the highest level. Stumpy too. I don’t necessarily know what his goal was, but I’m sure he accomplished it. Guys who can roll with the punches and come back from adversity, look at the big picture, be patient, not get burned out, and just enjoy what they are doing, those are BMX Nation: What will you miss most in the Elite the guys who will succeed and be remembered. class? BMX Nation: Over the course of your career, Matt: Knowing that every guy that is on that who has given you the most support? gate could win the lap or get last. Knowing that Matt: My family of course. Without the support if I have one tiny mistake out of the gate to the first jump that the guy next to me will capitalize. of loving parents, most of us wouldn’t be doing These are the best guys on the planet you really any of this. My wife, Jessica, is amazing and have to be on point 100% of the time…To sum all definitely got me through some rough patches of that up I guess the Elite Men’s class will bring I don’t know if I could have gotten out of by the worst or the best out of you and I think for me myself. She is my wife, best bud, shrink, physical therapist, and rock all rolled up into one it is the latter. little blonde-haired hazel-eyed nugget. BMX Nation: Who do you see at the head of the Elite in the next few years? Who will be most BMX Nation: What does a day in the life of the Ruckus look like? likely to fill the shoes of you and Stumpy? Matt: Action packed! AM workout (usually gym), Matt: Obviously Maris is pretty dominant right If I have any clients, I do some personal training now, but eventually most will catch up. History at Beverly Hills Physical Medicine (shameless repeats itself…first it was Leveque then Allier plug), make the trek to Hollywood for Class then Kyle and Warwick. A standard is set and the rest will catch up. We see a lot of “flashes in in the early afternoon, track or sprints in the the pan” too, guys who kill it for awhile and then evening and if there is any Celly Smelly work I they literally disappear. It depends on the goals need to do, I get that done in there as well. Also,

if the surfs up you can find me flailing around in the Pacific, trying not to drown, attached to a surfboard. Then usually a late dinner with Jessica. We’ve been on a “TV diet” since March. No TV since March…that’s correct. BMX Nation: Where do you see yourself in five years? What are your next big goals? Matt: In the next five years, I see myself as a proud father and killer husband, still racing BMX if time allows it. I love to train and compete. I’m having some success acting and would like to nail down more TV and film roles for sure. BMX Nation: Any thanks? Matt: Many thanks here: Of course the big guy upstairs, my wife Jessica and my family, German Medina, Dusty Wilson, Scott Moreland and the Dan’s Comp crew, Mike Hammond at DiamondBack, Megan and Rob at Maxxis, Jeff at JW BMX, Jerry at Alienation, Gus at Profile, YoYo and Blick at Oakley, the Birks, KWEG, Phil at ODI, SAB, S&M, Maximus, Kyle Miller and Ryan Wightman, Steve Buddendeck, Sweet Lou, Bill Grad, all the DK boys, Kuwahara, John Paul Rogers, all my riding buds in Ohio, Greg Davis and the NBL for the interview, anybody who I didn’t mention and every single person who has ever cheered for me… It’s been a hell of a ride!

Coming soon

DONNA SNOW MiSS FlOriDA iNterNAtiONAl 2010 BMX rACer

WANNA

RACE? JOIN THE NATION jointhenation.org

PRODUCED BY

TWO WHEEL ENTERTAINMENT PRESENTS A FUSION/MKBRAINCHILD/POST HOUSE PRODUCTION “JOIN THE NATION” MIKE KOULERMOS STEVE HAMM TIMOTHY M. FLAHERTY DIRECTED BY TIMOTHY M. FLAHERTY

by Greg Davis

he blood, sweat, and tears of the 2010 racing season have been invested. Now, the anticipation, hopes, and dreams are all riding on this one race. This one race is as meaningful as it gets. This one race defines the entire season for each and every age and class in BMX. What makes the GRAND National different from any other national? What is meant by Grand National?

Webster’s Dictionary defines the word grand this way, “Having more importance than the others: foremost. Having higher rank than others. Definitive, incontrovertible. Very good, wonderful.” The NBL Grand National in Louisville, Kentucky is certainly all of these and more, and while most would agree with old man Webster, many would add a more BMX related definition. What does the Grands mean to you? “It means a time of achievement and rebuilding. It’s a time to see old friends and a time to make new ones. But mostly, it’s a time of accomplishment,” –Geoff Ssengoba—Masters class rider and co-owner of S-Squared bike company. “It means a full year’s work and dedication,” –Max Egdorf –Rennen/Intense Factory rider and top 19-26 Expert. “It means you work hard all season, and it comes down to this final race,” –Jamie Lilly –Elite Women’s class and former national and world number one. “I’m just bummed I couldn’t race it.” (Lilly was injured) “Not only to me but to many others it means you work your butt off, racing all season to get to the top and, whether you’re in the lead or a few points from the lead, it all comes down to the Grands. And we all know anything can happen at the Grands. You can hit the gate or slip a pedal. You can come home happy with a victory or give it your all, next year. For me, this year, I was in the lead with a nine-point stretch, but I can tell you that I was not comfortable with that. I was more afraid of losing everything I had worked hard for at the Grands, so it was kind of stressful for a few weeks before the Grands,” –CJ McGuire—Factory Intense/Dyna-Pep, top Super Ex rider. “The Grands meant a lot to me personally this year, because it was the end of my 13 year career as an AA pro/ Elite BMX racer. And to get into both mains at the Grands was just ‘mustard on the hotdog.’ But don’t think the BMX world has seen the last of the Ruckus! I will be mixing it up with the Vets and Masters of our sport for 2011. Yeah buddddddyyy!” –Matt Pohlkamp—Elite Pro—Celly Smelly’s/Dan’s Comp

Rolling into E.P. Tom Sawyer Park in Louisville, Kentucky several things became immediately evident: the track was dialed, the competition was stacked and had come from not merely all over the states but all over the world, and the weather was nothing short of—well—GRAND. Vendor’s row featured the usual top bike shops, TB Trophies, food vendors, and new product displays that everyone’s come to anticipate and expect at the Grands. What wasn’t usual was the excited discussion about all of the new changes at the NBL. The best in BMX has reinvented itself! Needless to say, the upcoming 2011 season is going to be amazing. The NBL ran the Pro Spectacular after they finished the second motos of the amateurs. Even during pro warm-ups, excitement abounded. Unadulterated raw speed, mad skills, and gnarly crashes in the pro section had the crowd on their feet and crowding the fences for the best vantage point. Even before the gate dropped on the first moto of the Pro Spectacular, the field had been narrowed down. A Super Ex title contender, Logan Collins, went down hard in the second corner. Johnny Culbreth of Addison Bikes hit the ground in the burley pro section so hard he damaged his spleen. But diehard BMX pros are a resilient bunch. They’ll be back. Count on it. The 16-29 Open Wheels class is so fast and so full of future Elite riders that they included it in the Pro Spectacular at the Grands. The motos were incredibly deep in talent, but only eight could make it to the final show. When the dust settled on the semis, there were more than few surprises. The gate dropped in the main, and Loebe, Posey, and Hines shot to the front, almost in unison. They rocketed down the second straight with mere inches separating first and third. Then the crowd sucked in a collective breath, as the three leaders crashed in the second corner, and the pack flew by. Tanner Sebesta took over the point, with Watts and Davis swarming right behind. At the line it was Sebesta, Watts, and Davis in one, two, and three. The Masters class was a big favorite at the Grands. Louisville’s hometown hero, Tommy 2X4 Board, had the track dialed and looked incredibly fast. Percy Owens, a top contender, was suffering from severe back trouble, but incredibly, he was still riding. Relatively new to the class, Nick Tuttle, had impressed many with his speed and skill. Tim Dinger, Will Murray, Jason Sherrill, Domingos Lammoglia, and Tommy Opincar are some of the most consistent Masters riders out there. Then there was Joey Albright, who looked like the favorite to win the title. The motos and semis weren’t without some serious surprises. Board had a little bad luck in the semi, as did World #1 Marco Dellisola, and they didn’t make it out. Somehow, even with debilitating back trouble, “Spiderman” Percy Owens made it through to the main, perhaps by sheer force of will. When the gate slammed down on the main, Albright shot to the front. Owens went down hard on the first straight. Albright railed the first corner with a good lead, but Murray drew closer. Down the third straight, Murray narrowed Albright’s lead even more.

15-EX National Champion Maliek Byndloss

super-ex riders matt beatty & matt rubeck

17-18 ex riders jarrod adcock followed by bryan kipp

Through the rhythm section, Murray inched ever closer, but Albright somehow held onto the win. Opincar picked up the third. The Super Ex motos were just plain intense. In one moto, S & M’s Kyle McCrory went down in the lead in the pro section. Alex Gore saw this while still in the air, but had no time to react. He slammed into McCrory’s bike, and the momentum flipped him through the air like a trapeze artist, and he landed over on the amateur side of the track. Another Super Ex racer, Nick Britt, cased the second set in the pro section and his bike frame disintegrated beneath him. Come main time, everyone knew the race would be incredible. The gate popped on the Super Ex main, and CJ McGuire shot out into the lead, but Weston Pope was on him. Behind Pope, Matt Beatty and Rihards Veide went down in the first corner. Pope had the pro section dialed, and drew even with McGuire, but McGuire carried more momentum through the final corner. Pope tried everything to catch McGuire down the last straight, but he couldn’t. At the line, McGuire won the main and the title. Pope picked up the second, with Alan Hudson in third. Later, McGuire said, “I worked hard for the Grands so it was kind of stressful for a few weeks before the Grands.” So this Grands has meant a title for McGuire and a chance to make it in the Elite class next year. “However my Elite career goes I am happy to have accomplished that (Super Ex title),” he said. “And next year’s Grands is on my mind already.” Weston Pope said, “The Super Ex Grands main was a great race. It’s a cool thing getting to race my 14th grand national going for the Super Ex win at my home track. CJ McGuire is a really good bike rider, and I respect him out there. I gave it my all and came up a bit short of the win. We got really close through the pro section. I took some pedals before the first double where he didn’t and he took some where I didn’t after the second and he pulled from there. I left the Grands pretty happy, but definitely not content. I’m hungry for my first Elite year.” The lovely ladies of BMX have ratcheted up the level of competition in the past few years. This year, however, the Elite Women are crazy fast and skilled. When the field had been whittled down to the final eight riders, not many were surprised to see the reigning NBL #1, Dominique Daniels, up there. The Kortman sisters had impressed many, by how they rode in the motos. Both had made the main. After the announcer had the ladies roll out onto the tabletop jump to be introduced, game faces quickly replaced the smiles. They lined up and the starter hit the button. Out of the gate, Daniels snapped hard and grabbed the holeshot. Carr pulled into second, and Keely Kortman made a pass into third. Daniels held onto the lead, with Carr in second, but Alaina Henderson slid by Kortman at the line for the third.

The Pro Spectacular all came down to the Elite Men, and the main looked like this: the Olympic Gold medalist, World #1, and reigning NBL #1, Maris Strombergs, seemed poised to put yet another title on his ample resume. But the rookie to the Elite Class, Josh Meyers, has had an incredible first season, and he found himself within striking distance of the title. The wild card in the mix was the Swiss rider, Yvan Lapraz. His first straights looked unstoppable. You can never count out the Ohio boys, the insanely powerful “Ruckus” and the insanely smooth “Upshizzle.” Tyler Faoro, Tyler Brown, and Afro Bob were in the mix and looking really good. Out of the gate, the Swiss rider, Lapraz snapped like he had the night before when he won the US Open, but this time Strombergs was there and pulled ahead of the pack between the step and the tabletop in the first straight, slicing from the outside to the inside. By the first turn, he had the clear lead. Brown and Meyers came out of the first turn trying to catch the two Europeans. Pohlkamp and Upshaw were pinched and dropped back. Lapraz drew closer on the pro section, but Strombergs held on down the final straight. At the line, it was: Stombergs, Lapraz, Brown, Meyers, Faoro, DeWilde, and Upshaw passed Pohlkamp down the last straight for seventh. For the year, Strombergs held onto his title, Meyers picked up the second place, and Tyler Faoro rounded out the podium. Faoro later said, “The competition was very tough, so just making the main felt great. I couldn’t believe Danny C. (Caluag) went down during the qualifiers and wasn’t in the main. He was strong all year, but without him, it meant I had #3 locked up. At main time, I felt the title was out of reach but #2 was possible but unlikely. Most of the heavy hitters from the Elite class were in the main, and I ended up choosing lane 3. During the pro roll out, I could feel the excitement growing. The fans were standing and screaming, and this always gets me pumped. I knew I needed a 1 or 2 and some help to move into the 2 for the year. The gate went down, and I didn’t get the snap I was looking for, but it was decent. I had Ivan Lapraz, but I felt I had control of that. However, I had to contend with Strombergs making his way over from Gate 7. Add to the mix TB316 (Tyler Brown), who had a great run. I needed to get in front of both Lapraz and TB to have a shot, but I got slightly pinched going into the turn. Maris had a clean line around the turn. Lapraz, TB, and I got a little balled up. At that point I found myself without a good line thru the turn. I came out in 4th without the speed I was looking for, moving me back to 5th down the 2nd straight. As we approached the Pro section it looked as Maris had a good lead and the battle was between Tyler Brown and Ivan Lapraz for the 2nd and 3rd position. Although not thrilled, I rode out the rest of the Elite main event knowing I did my best. It was a long tough first season in the Elite class. I guess I should add that it was a really, really tough decision to jump to Elite while leading the single the Super Ex class points but I am so happy now that I did.” The 35-40 Expert class is loaded with talent, and the main was stacked. When the gate popped, DiPrete and Thompson shot out into the lead. Thompson pulled DiPrete a little down the first straight, but DiPrete held onto second through the first turn. While Gomez was trying to catch DiPrete, Meaker nearly caught Gomez. At the line, it was Thompson, DiPrete, Gomez, Meaker, Pfeiffer, Miller, Gustafson, and Bedford. Afterward, DiPrete said, “I had a good gate, but I bobbled the first jump and Jeremy Thompson got ahead, and I followed him around to the finish line.”

super-ex jason larev

masters champion joey albright

Louisville local, Frank “the Tank” Hoskins, had recently returned home from the Worlds, sporting a W4 on his plate, so most had him pegged to win the tough 26-34 Expert class on his home track. The 26-34 Expert class, however, is nearly as quick as Super Ex. In fact, there are more than a few former Super Ex and at least one or two former Elite riders in there. In the motos, Lance McGuire looked like a favorite to win the main, winning every lap. Hometown hero Hoskins came unclipped in his first moto, which messed up his points a bit. This wasn’t the only surprise. A few of the more dominant riders in the motos didn’t make it through to the main. When the gate did fall, “Quick” Nick St. Lawrence holeshotted. He rocketed through the first turn far enough to avoid the contact that happened behind him, and he widened his lead. Nick Valencia and Garrett Rosh battled for second, with the World #4 Hoskins within striking distance. St. Lawrence put it this way after the race, “Well if you didn’t know, it was only my third race of the season because I went to boot camp for Air Force. I wasn’t in contention for a national number. I just knew if I had a good lap I could win. I had gate 3, so if I had a good start, I knew good things would happen, as soon as the gate dropped, and I was out. As long as I got through the first turn, I figured I’d be golden. Pretty much all went the way I thought it was going to go and with everyone fighting to move up, I raced the track and stretched the lead out and finally after 21 yrs of racing I got a main win at the Grands.” One of the toughest and probably one of the biggest Expert classes at the Grands was 19-25 Expert. Nearly everyone in the main had at least a moto win going in. Several had perfected their motos. After the eights, quarters, and semis, the final eight rolled into the gate. Rennen/Intense’s Max Egdorf got the pop out of the gate, and pulled hard down the first straight. Cory Watts and Olijuwon Davis battled for second. George Costa, the founder and owner of Rennen (Egdorf’s team), put it this way, “He (Egdorf) dominated the entire race start to finish and from an outside gate.” The main of the 17-18 Experts could likely be similar to the main of Super Ex within the next few years. These guys are crazy fast. Chase Hines is almost always out in front of the pack. As a testament to the skill level of this class, Hines found himself in third in this main. He looked poised to pass, but KJ Romero and Tanner Sebesta held him off to take first and second, in that order. Dylan Cooley has been riding with the other Dayton, Ohio superstars: Hootman, Upshaw, and crew, and it shows. In the 14 Expert main, he snapped everyone. Cole Tesar stayed on him, and down the last straight, pulled him only inches before the line. Afterward, Cooley said, “Yeah man, I felt really good the whole weekend. I gave it all I could in the main event, but I came up just a few inches short. Man, I need to give some props up to Cole Tesar. He is such a fast rider, and I’m stoked to race him again in the future. Overall the NBL Grands was an awesome race and the track was

awesome, I Can’t wait until next year. Without the help of my trainer Jeffery Upshaw and my team manager Renato Pistolesi I would never have performed this well at the Grands.” Dylan also added, “This new magazine (BMX Nation) is sick!” Many of the older cruiser classes are just as fast as the top expert classes. Here are just a few highlights from those. In the 40-44 Cruiser class, Hyper’s Jud Ciancio led to the second corner, then Rennen’s Randy Bitinaitis slid by and held on to the line. Bitinaitis put it this way, “The main was STACKED! I had gate 4, and Jefferson had 1. He has first straight pull. I was probably in third going into the first turn, but I passed Jud in turn two (for the lead).” One of the Grands announcers, Weird Al Roybal, has bikes skills to rival his microphone skills, despite being ‘nuttier than squirrel poo,’ and he proved it in the 35-39 Cruiser main event by grabbing a 3rd behind Gomez and Powers. After a third in class, Chase Hines seemed determined to completely dominate cruiser. He succeeded. In the 17-24 Cruiser class, two went down at the roller, but Hines was already way ahead. By the last straight, he had at least a four or five bike lead, something usually impossible to do at the Grands. Behind Hines, Slavin and Eden led the pack across the line. In the 30 and Over Open class, Shawn DiPrete snapped the pack, but Louisville local, Tommy 2X4 Board was on him and narrowing DiPrete’s lead. Board, however, ran out of track and DiPrete won. Renato Da Silva grabbed the third. While the finish of the 2010 Grand National signified the end of the season, it is ironically just the beginning of the new NBL. Next year promises to be a season like no other, but you can stay up to date on the latest news. It’s as easy as opening your mailbox and reading your new BMX Nation magazine!

BMXNAT.COM

Interview by Mike Floyd

e’s your everyday guy – well, not really. On a regular day, he wakes up, surfs the Net, works out and relishes every moment he gets to lie around the house. But when he’s not chillin’, he’s tearing up the BMX world or winning an Olympic gold medal.

In a candid interview with BMX Nation, Latvia’s Maris Strombergs addresses the future of BMX, how the Olympic Games are helping the sport, why he moved to America and how he feels about taste of chicken on steroids. Let’s start from the beginning. How did you get started in BMX? I actually got started in 1993. I was like 5 years old. It’s a funny story: My dad’s friend’s son used to ride BMX, and they decided to bring me to the track. I remember the first time at the track I was crying, saying, “Come on, Dad. This is not for me. Just bring me home.” Somehow, after a couple on months, I went to my dad and told him I want to try again, and the rest is history. I have been riding now for like 18 years. Do you remember your first bike and what it was? I had a really old-school Russian bike. My second bike was a Powerlite. I was a huge Powerlite fan growing up. My idol was Danny Nelson. Tell us about growing up in the country of Latvia. BMX is still really small back home. We have like 100 to 130 guys racing. A lot of people don’t know how the Latvian guys become so good, and I have no answer. I don’t know either. I think the big reason is my coach. I think he took BMX in Latvia to another level.

Should we be on the look out for any other Maris Strombergs coming up through the ranks in Latvia? There are a few guys coming up, and hopefully. You’ve had a lot of interviews in the past. What have the media missed that explains who you are and how you became the champion you are today? I think it is just my work ethic and my coach. Even after winning the Olympics, I am still the same down-to-earth, calm guy. I just love to ride BMX. Was moving to the United States essential for you to progress in the sport? When I was younger, it was always my dream to move to America and race here. All the top BMX guys live here – the top racers are from America. I got that opportunity after the Olympic Games, when Dale Holmes from Free Agent offered me a contract. So that was my opportunity to move here and prove to myself and my country I can dominate and be a successful rider.

I’ve seen many of your interviews, and you always get asked what you miss most about being away from home, and you always say the food. What makes Latvian food so good? The chicken here is like the chicken on steroids. It just tastes so much differently. The vegetables – everything is just different. That is always the first thing I say, but of course I miss my friends and family as well. But I love it here. The weather – it’s just the perfect place for BMX. What’s the best part about living in America? The weather, the tracks, BMX, the girls. All together, it’s a really great place. Speaking of girls, are there any plans for a Mrs. Strombergs anytime soon? No, it’s too early. I am only 23, so I’m going to save that for later. How has being the first BMX Olympic gold medalist, and the second gold medalist for your country, changed your life? How was it when you went back home after the games? It was crazy. I was 21 at the time, and it was my first real experience with the media – magazines, TV. It was just too much at once, but now I am kind of used to it. It’s always fun to go back home. People recognize me and ask for my signature. But at the same time, I really enjoy being here because people on the streets don’t know me, so I feel free. It’s just two different things. Let’s talk about 2010. You’ve had an amazing year so far. What’s next? So far, so good. Next would be the Supercross round in France in a couple of weeks. My next goal is to win the Supercross title. Where do you see yourself in five years? Hopefully, on top still racing BMX. I’m looking forward to the Olympic Games in 2016. My goal is to race six more years, and then I’ll see what I will do next. How do you feel the sport is progressing? I think it is getting better, slowly, but getting better. Sponsors are starting to come back, racing on TV, Supercross – it all helps the sport as a whole. All I want to see is the sport grow and get better. That’s all that matters to me. What could the industry do better? All the sanctions need to step up. It’s tough for me to explain. Me as rider, I did and will always do everything I can to help BMX get bigger and better. NBL has some great ideas for the future, and I am really looking forward to that. I just want to see everyone step up and make this sport the best it can be. What is your role in the progression? To race as good as I can and be a good role model for the kids coming up in the sport. That’s what I always do: be nice and talk with the young kids and parents to give them advice. I really enjoy that, and as I said before, I will do what it takes to take BMX to another level. I think that shows, since your autograph line is always huge? The fans love you. Sometimes when the lines are too long, I will miss my practice to make sure I get to meet everyone. I enjoy that. Does the industry ask for your input? NBL did. I really like NBL’s new boss, Gary Aragon, and his vision. I am really looking forward to next year. As a little kid growing up, I always wanted to win the NBL Grands. I always thought that title was the best thing to win. What are your strengths? Gate, first straight and I think I am pretty strong mentally, as well. It is really important in BMX to be able to focus. You have to have your mind ready before the race. I don’t think I am weak in any area. I feel I’m pretty good at everything. I can jump, I can manual, I can peddle fast, and I feel good all the way around the track. Explain the moment you get in the gate. What’s going through your head? I am always a little bit nervous. I think everyone is. There is a little pressure. I try to stay calm and focus on the gate. Sometimes the gate is half of the battle. The first three pedals are important, especially in Supercross.

“I did and will always do everything I can to help BMX get bigger and better. NBL has some great ideas for the future, and I am really looking forward to that. I just want to see everyone step up and make this sport the best it can be.”

What are your weaknesses? I can’t say that. The other guys will try to take advantage of that. I will keep that a secret. What is your motivation? I set my goals really high and really want to achieve them. I just want to win everything. That’s my goal, and it keeps me going. What do the Olympics mean to BMX? I think it is great for the riders, the fans and everyone involved in the sport. I remember the first time they announced that BMX was going to be an Olympic sport. I was 15 or 16. I was like “cool.” I thought some guy is going to compete for the gold medal. I never thought at that time that I was going to be one of those guys. Slowly, I started to take it a little more seriously with my coach. After I finished high school, I tried to go to college, and it was really hard to try to do both. My goal became just to get to the Olympic games. Do you feel it can help bring new riders to local tracks? That is how it should work, and I really believe that. The media have cared more about BMX since it became an Olympic sport, which in turn drives awareness. If you were not a professional racer, what would you be doing? Probably playing basketball. I am still a huge fan of basketball. When I was a little kid, I used to play basketball, as well. I did BMX and basketball for a while, but I chose to do BMX. I still love basketball. Every day I wake up and go to ESPN.com to check the results. What would you like to tell today’s young riders? Never give up. I also always tell them to enjoy the sport while you are young as long as you can. And to the parents, I always tell them not to push the kid too hard too early. I think that is the two most important things. As long as you enjoy it, everything else will be alright. The rest will come. What kind of student were you in school? I was decent. I was an average student. Is there anything in your life that you would have done differently? Nothing. I am happy where I am now. I tried to do everything right, but if I did something wrong, I learned from it and moved forward. With all your success, what has been your most unnecessary purchase? Probably my car. I have an Audi Q7 SUV. It was my first car, and I got it when I was like 22. I always try to spend my money smartly. I am not someone who just blows money. I try to save, and I think about business ideas for the future. Tell us something about yourself nobody else knows? I am kind of lazy. Not in BMX. Outside of BMX. I just like to stay home and be lazy. You are known for your work ethic. What does your weekly schedule look like? I usually like to take one day off, and usually it is Monday. And then I train every day. Most of the time twice a day – at the gym, sprints, it could be track. I do road rides, as well. I go to the stadium and do a lot of biometrics stuff. It’s about trying to find the balance between everything. Whom are you looking over your shoulder for? I respect everybody, but right now I think Sam Willoughby and the young kids coming up like Connor Fields. There are a lot of fast guys. What does winning the NORA Cup mean to you? It’s a really funny story because I won the NORA Cup last year, as well. When I went to the ceremony, I did not know what it was. I asked my team manager what it was, and he just told me, “Don’t worry, it’s something really good. It would be really cool if you win it.” I was like “alright, sweet.” And after that I did some research online and found out that it is a really big deal. It means a lot to me and my country as well to win the NORA Cup. So it’s kind of like a big deal. It’s my second year in a row winning, and I look forward to being in the mix next year, as well.

EXCLUSIVE VIDEO INTERVIEW ON WWW.BMXNAT.COM

The 23-year-old Free Agent rider’s goals are to win everything and that is just what he has done so far in 2010. He has clinched the BMX UCI World Championship, he recently received his second NORA Cup just after winning the NBL title. He’s a winning machine, and his year is not over yet.

LLC

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INDUSTRY PROFILE »

The HPR20

HYPER BIKE CO. The Clayground

n the late 1980s, the sport of BMX had reached a plateau in both technology and popularity. By 1990, the sport had matured enough to see its early stars come and go. Some riders had spent their entire youth racing BMX, only to settle into an adulthood unrelated to bicycles. This was not going to be the case for a young man named Clay Goldsmid.

In the early ‘90s, Clay’s passion for bicycles still burned, but he knew that even while he was competing successfully as a professional at the national and world levels, he was becoming a veteran. He began to consider not retirement for himself as an athlete, but the birth of himself as a bicycle company owner. Wanting to bring the sport new vitality through the innovation that the sport had been lacking, he transitioned his energy, redirecting his passions to what would eventually become Hyper Bicycles. Hyper’s beginnings, like many other companies, were humble to say the least. As it turns out, the tenacity that Clay sharpened as a racer served him well as a businessman. In 1990, with nothing more than a passion for cycling, some innovative ideas and $100 to get things started, Hyper Bicycles was born. The HPR20 was the first frame Hyper developed, featuring a detachable rear end that allowed a rider to change the front triangle of the frame to achieve a custom fit. Although not many of these frames were made, they sold quickly and the Hyper dream became reality.

Around this same time, Clay started to rebuild his personal riding track that he first built in 1980. This practice track would become a premier riding spot in the country. The aggressively designed Hyper track has been ridden by most of the top BMX athletes in recent history. Legendary riders such as Eric Carter, Brian Foster, Charles Townsend, Robbie Morales, Todd Corbitt, Travis Pastrana and Donny Robinson all have “sampled the dirt” in Malaga, N.J. In 1991, one of the first BMX dirt jumping contests was held at the place the riders had begun to call “Clayground.” The track was equipped with lights, water, a pumping sound system and some of the most challenging jumps of its time. The Hyper track has seen many rebuilds, but it has remained a place to ride in some shape or form for more than 20 years. Currently, the “Clayground” has been leveled to make way for a bigger and better version that should be completed in the spring of 2011. The next generation of frames from Hyper was the lightweight, made-in-the-USA 4130 Chromoly Hyper Metro. The momentum for Hyper had begun, and with the launch of the new Metro frame, Clay was looking for a top rider to be the face of the Hyper Race Team. Clay took a chance and called an old friend (and former competitor of his) who had retired from racing to try and convince him to return to BMX. Eric Carter liked where Hyper was headed and agreed to make his comeback as a pro. In 1993, Eric toured the racing circuit in the Hyper van, one of the early custom-painted race

33 Motobike which was sold at wal-mart

vehicles the sport had seen. In his first season back in BMX, he won the NBL Pro National Championship. The demand for Hyper frames was booming, and for the next few years, Hyper developed and sold high-end frames, including the Hyper FS, the company’s first aluminum frame, and the Hyper Boxsters Series of frames. Hyper had established itself as a top frame builder within the racing community. In early 2001, the opportunity to reach more children and spread Clay’s passion for BMX and cycling presented itself when he met the bike buyer for the mass merchant Toys “R” Us. At this time, Hyper had only manufactured high-end racing products, but the challenge of producing entry-level complete bikes was something Clay knew he couldn’t pass up. After some hard work and a steep learning curve, Hyper placed its first BMX bike in Toys “R” Us. The company was now growing both in the mass merchants and on the race scene. While building the mass-market business, Hyper never lost focus on its racing roots. In 2003, Hyper teamed up with the No. 1 toy company in the world to form the Hyper/Hot Wheels Team. Under the guidance of Bill Zimmerman, the Hyper/Hot Wheels Team would end up winning back-to-back NBL National Team Titles in 2003 and 2004. In 2005, Hyper solidified its position as a key player in the mass market with the introduction of the innovative Motobike in Walmart stores. The Motobike would become one of the most highly advertised and best-selling bikes at Walmart. As Hyper’s mass-merchant sales continued to grow, so did the demand for race frames, leading to the introduction of the Assault frames, which would become the best selling Hyper frame to date.

eric carter

In 2008, Team Manager Jud Ciancio was attending the NBL Christmas Classic, where he noticed that Donny “dR” Robinson, one of the most decorated athletes in the history of BMX, was without a sponsor. He made a quick phone call to Clay, and shortly after that call, Donny was the newest member of the Hyper Factory Team. Later that same year, he qualified to represent the United States in the first-ever Olympic BMX race. He would eventually stand proudly on a podium with an Olympic bronze medal around his neck. He would continue his winning ways by becoming the World Champion in 2009.

Donny Robinson & The dR Replica

In spite of its successful Olympic debut, the sport of BMX was still declining at the time, and Clay asked himself, “What can I do to help BMX grow?” The answer was clear: use the manufacturing expertise that he had honed during the past 10 years with the mass merchants to develop the most affordable BMX race-ready bike the industry has ever seen. The dR Replica was born. The result was a complete, ready-to-race BMX bike for less than $100. Hyper then joined forces with the NBL to offer a free 30 trial membership with every dR bike sold. This collaboration is driving hundreds of new riders to NBL tracks and getting them involved with the great sport of BMX racing. For 2011, expect to see a new, bigger and better Hyper Race Team competing to win the “new NBL” Team Title. Everyone at Hyper is excited about the changes the NBL has made and is proud to be the title sponsor for the 2011 NBL season. Hyper has grown from a small frame company to one of the top suppliers of bicycles in the world, but the roots of the company will always be BMX racing. If you know Clay and ask him how he’s doing, he usually responds, “I’m living the dream,” and that just about sums up the history of Hyper Bicycles – a dream come true.

Proudly Presents

Redline

2011 Proline Mini

details

FRAME: 6061-T6 Aluminum, New 3D Dropouts  FORK: Chromoly HEADSET: Integrated  CRANK: Microline 3 piece w/Sealed BB WHEELS: Sun M13II Rims, RL Aluminum Cassette Hubs  TIRES: Tioga PowerBlock 20 x 1-1/8”  HANDLEBAR: Redline 19.25” W x 2.5” T x 10° Back x 2° Up / Aluminum  SADDLE RL: Microline

Flash Cranks

Details:

2-pc race cranks forged from 6061-T6 aluminum and then CNC machined for the final look and shape. Features details like a 24mm hollow chromoly spindle is pressed into the drive side arm for a strong simple design, steel pedal bosses pressed into each arm to resist stripping and a dual lip sealed BB with an outboard bearing system for greater reliability. Colors: Black, White

Morphine Industries Details:

Thumbsucker

Top load with 2 piece top plate Made in the USA – This ain’t made in China CNC’d from 6061 T6 heat-treated aluminum Made for 1” steer tube Standard 5/16-18 bolts for stem body Standard 1/4-18 bolts for top plate Rider Weight Limit: 100 lbs Reach: 40mm Weight: 5.0 oz COLORS: Black, Blue, Red

Slider System; Offers fore/aft positioning, Nylon Fiber Base, Slim & Light, Texture Top Model: Plastic Size: 210mm (L) * 110mm (W) Weight: 170g Colors: Black, Blue, Red, White

Helium 4

6061 T6 heat-treated aluminum Precision construction Optimal ergonomic design Rise: 4” Width: 24” Upsweep: 2 degrees Backsweep: 7 degrees Weight: 15 ozs Rider Weight Limit: 120 lbs

Hawk Racing™ bottom brackets have been designed with the Pro Cyclist in mind. Replace your standard bottom bracket with a new generation bottom bracket that is 10% lighter than ceramic products and takes up to 80% less energy than the next most efficient bottom bracket on the market.

Alienation Details:

Colors: Black powdercoat, White powdercoat, Red anodized, Blue anodized, Gold anodized

Moto Grip

d e t a i l s Weight: 87g including plastic shell. One of the

Flangeless lock-on with an ultra thin profile; Propriety window technology for greater comfort; Classic motocross style knurled on the top side with a half waffle pattern below; Features a 1 pc alloy end cap for simplicity and safety.

Colors: Black, Pink, Red, Blue, & White

Material: Super Soft Kraton Single Density Rubber Length: 135mm Colors: Black

Compatibility: External cups, Shimano, FSA* SRAM (with SRAM Kit), Race Face Deus, DXR and other BMX frames. Maintenance Free - 2 years warranty  - ISO and ABEC 3 certified bearings

Details:

Bottom Brackets

lightest in the industry. (82g without shell) - BB threads: ENG (English)  -

Slider Basic Seat

Morphine Industries

Hawk Racing

Folmer Technology™ bearings (patent pending) have changed the perception of ceramic bearings by designing an ultra light weight, durable and affordable bottom bracket made for better performance and to last without frequent service intervals. The special designed bearings have a high grade lubrication which is typically used in a slightly different form in the aero space industry. They utilize a lighter seal than ceramic bearings and will get you to terminal velocity more quickly and easily.

Alienation

BMX NATION • www.bmxnat.com

Profile

N o BOSS C r a n k K i t s Details:

Smooth Clean Look No Sprocket Boss GDH Spindle Standard or GDH Ti Upgrade Lengths: 160, 165, 170, 175, 177, 180, and 182mm (for use with spline drive sprockets and spiders) Colors: Black, Chrome & White

CycleCraft

2011 Aluminum Race Frames D e t a i l s : The long awaited return of a NEW full line of

a CycleCraft BMX race frames is here. This contemporary aluminum line, 100% Made in the USA, comes in sizes from Junior all the way to Pro Cruiser XL, ranging in weight from 2.2 to 3.3 pounds. Each frame comes with a laser etched CycleCraft head tube logo, V-brake mounts, euro style bottom bracket, and a high quality powder coat finish.

Profile

ELITE HUB w i t h ULTRA DRI V E CASSETTE

Pryme

Details:

204 points of engagement with no dead spots Aluminum drivers with oversized bearing for additional smoothness Matching anodized cone spacers and volcano bolt head covers New driver labyrinth seal Engraved logos Colors: Black, Blue, Red

AL H e l m e t Details:

Injection-molded visor and full coverage padding. Quick release buckle. Large opening for better peripheral vision. Mesh vent covers. Goggle grabber. 23 vents. Meets CPSC bicycle helmet standards. Colors: Matte Red, Gloss White, Gloss Black

Colors: Gloss White, Gloss Black, and special colors available upon request (with additional charge).

Alienation

Redline

Skylark Rim

Flight 2.5 Cranks

Details:

Use: Brakeless Material: 6061 T6 Walls: Double Joint: Sleeved Weight: 390g Diameter: 406 (20â&#x20AC;?) Drilling: 28, 32, 36 Valve: AV Sidewall: N/A ERD: 388

Details:

New 2.5pc design is 3.5oz/100g lighter. 100% heat-treated tubular chromoly. Dual Pinch Bolt Design. Wrapped and welded pedal bosses. Right side drive. 19mm x 6t heat-treated chromoly spindle. Spindle bolts and sprocket bolt included Just 29oz (832g) BB set is NOT included. 175mm or 180mm 29.3oz/832g.

Colors: Black, Blue, Chrome, Red, Select Powdercoat

Colors: Black, Red, White

ProGate

S i n g l e R i d e r UCI Details:

ProStuff LLC is the international standard for BMX and Mountain Bike race gates. They are the exclusive BMX and Mountain Bike start gate equipment supplier for UCI and USA Cycling. ProStuff has been an innovator in relation to safety issues in the BMX community ever since their inception. Their soft hit design on all of their gates is just one example of contributing to rider safety, not to mention an extreme decrease in noise level. The gates come to you with no assembly required. Plug in the compressor and controls and you are in business. available in: 1 rider, 2 riders, MTB 4x gate, UCI straight 8 or UCI 8 rider safety

Troy Lee Designs

Sp r i n t S h o r t & J e r s e y with Air Gloves Short details

600 Dernier Polyester material for durability and protection, breathable mesh in thigh and rear leg panels for race ventilation, 4 way ribbed mesh in crotch and rear yoke for dialled race fit, velcro side clinch straps for large waist size range adjustment, spandex stretch liner in waist, protective TPR thigh logos, TPD/Snap closure with zip cover

Pryme

Number Sets details

This complete kit includes 3 sheets of every number 0 thru 9 (each sheet has one 4.65” and one 3.25” number), a complete lettering kit, and a full set of assorted Pryme decals. Each number also sold individually.

XLC

X LC C o mp o s i t e F l o o r P u mp & X LC C o mp o s i t e F l o o r P u mp w / G u a g e details

with gauge details

23” tall all in one structure Ball needle set inside base Dual Head

Easily readable gauge display Ergonomic grip form Dual Head for Presta/Schrader

Sun Ringle Envy Rims

Details:

36 hole count Front and rear specific 28.5mm wide Welded 20″, 24″ 395g front rim 392g rear rim Also available in 24″, black only

38 BMX NATION • www.bmxnat.com

Colors: Black, red, white, blue or chrome Bike Type: Race Expert/PRO

jersey details

Retro race inspired, ride dialled construction and design, micro mesh on arms and lower body for targeted ventilation, Hi squared rubberized print logo details, designed to compliment the Sprint shorts

air glove details

Silicone screen-printed graphic on palm for added traction on hand grip, light and breathable lycra mesh material on back of hand for a cool comfortable fit, vented .08 Clarino® palm panel for comfort, fit, and durability, breathable airprene cuff, 3D sonic welded rubber (TPR) graphics add protection, 3D modified rubber (TPR) wrist closure for an adjustable and secure fit, cool air-mesh lycra in fourchettes

Pryme

Bootleg Guards Details:

These all-in-one guards feature thick neoprene, an external hardplastic molded knee cap, a 2-piece removable pre-curved shin guard insert (run either, both, or none) that can be hand-formed to fit. The multiple Velcro straps can also be cut-to-fit. All edges are sewn.

Kewg Co. b mx c h a i n s

Details:

KWEG offers a huge variety of chains including titanium chains, which are the lightest chains in the world. Products: Full & half link, hollow or solid pin and are available in a variety of colors

XLC

33 Piece Mechanic Tool Set Details:

T25, T30; 5mm flat driver, 2 phillips screwdrivers, socket wrench coupling, 8/9/10mm sockets, L-grip for socket wrench, 3x nylon tire levers, 1 tire repair kit, crank puller, chain tool, hex wrench set with ball driver 2/2.2/3/4/5/6/8/10mm, 15mm pedal wrench w/ 24mm inset wrench, Hollow Tech II crank arm tightner, double ended cone wrench 13/14mm and 15/16mm, chain whip, 8/10mm box wrench, cassette lock ring remover w/ pin, O-spoke wrench, Isis compatible 22 tooth bb cup remover, outboard bottom bracket cup wrench, double ended head set wrench 36/40 and 30/32.

BlackCrown number plates

details BlackCrown number plates offer reverse printed graphics, reverse laminated graphic protection on Lexan material. They currently offer 3 different designs including: RockStar, Argyle and Skully. sizes: Pro, Mini Colors: Blue, Red, Green, Pink Combined with BlackCrown Velcro Kits make removing and changing number plates a snap.

TRACK LIST Âť

28 17 13

20 14 23 16

11 3

NBL TRACK DIRECTORY

1 PUERTO RICO

4 CALIFORNIA

ANGEL PEREZ State Commissioner (787) 899-3418 INFO@TROPICALBMX.COM WWW.TROPICALBMX.COM

MARY H GARCIA State Commissioner (408) 848-5210 MARYBMXMOM@HOTMAIL. COM www.calbmx.com

Barceloneta 1340 Barceloneta BMX Park Jose Baez (787) 640-5595 (track) Hormiqueros 1324 Tropical BMX Park Angel Perez (787) 636-4578

2 ALABAMA ROBERT WIGINTON State Commissioner (205) 680-5827 WIGGINS83@BELLSOUTH.NET WWW.ALABAMABMX.COM Pelham 0102 Oak Mountain BMX Robert Wiginton (205) 802-8656 (track) (205) 680-5827 (home) (205) 527-0989 www.oakmountainbmx.com Prattville 1368 Fountain City BMX Jim Rempkowski (251) 593-9193 (track) (732) 330-5954 (home) www.fountaincitybmx.com or www.alabamabmx.com

3 ARIZONA Safford 1414 Outer Limits BMX Jeff Faunce (928) 792-8366 (track) Track Info Construction has begun call for updates.

Fresno 1349 Woodward Park BMX/FBX Brett Riley (559) 709-3530 (track) www.fresnobicyclecross.com Kernville 1415 KV Bike Park Christopher Brayman (760) 223-6165 (track) (760) 223-6165 (home) (760) 376-4902 FAX www.kvbikepark.com

Reedley 1118 Air Time BMX Paul Huebert (559) 696-0561 (559) 859-0949 (track) airtimebmx.moonfruit.com

Torrington 1095 Foothills BMX Roger Plaskett (860) 626-1BMX (track) (860) 485-9636 (home) www.foothillsbmx.com

High Springs 1335 High Springs BMX Rick Gayheart (352) 514-9735 (track) (386) 497-1275 (home) www.hsbmx.com

St Cloud 1119 St Cloud BMX Michael Marchese (407) 891-0930 (track) (407) 579-8274 www.freewebs.com/stcloudbmx/

Augusta 1186 Augusta BMX Mitchel Moon (706) 421-9892 (678) 318-1881 (track) www.augustabmx.com

Peoria 1086 Detweiller BMX Michael Hofmann (309) 202-7591 (home) (309) 383-1222 (work) www.detweillerbmx.com

San Lorenzo 1412 East Bay BMX Manny Hernandez (510) 258-7577 Track construction to start first part of December!

Trumbull 0412 T.R.A.C.K. Jeff Topolski (203) 452-0879 (home) (203) 452-0315 (track) Check out Trumbull BMX (T.R.A.C.K.) on Facebook!

Jacksonville 0716 Jacksonville BMX Brian Lucas (904) 751-6778 (track) (904) 803-7102 (904) 212-1352 FAX www.jacksonvillebmx.com

St Petersburg 0997 St Petersburg BMX Paula Rothman (727) 556-0284 (track) www.stpetebmx.com

McDonough 1266 Sandy Ridge BMX Jim Joyce (770) 288-7316 (track) (404) 831-9740 (work) www.sandyridgebmx.com

Springfield 0971 Springfield BMX Club Rick Rees (217) 522-8227 (track) (217) 361-7462 www.myspace.com/riversidebmx

7 FLORIDA

Miami 0112 Miami South BMX John Courtney (305) 248-9442 (track) www.miamisouthbmx.com

Peachtree City 0118 William L Davis BMX Anthony Robinson (678) 770-1750 (home) (404) 451-7937 www.ptcbmx.com

Waukegan 1363 Waukegan BMX Hector Mendez (224) 430-4762 (track) (847) 863-8679 (home) www.waukeganbmx.com

Santa Maria 1396 Santa Maria BMX Mike Porter (805) 868-4762 (home) www.santamariaelks.com

5 COLORADO Steamboat Springs 1417 Steamboat Springs BMX Brian Deem (970) 871-9500 (home)

STEVE DOAN State Commissioner (305) 238-8245 FLADOANS@BELLSOUTH.NET WWW.FLORIDABMX.COM

Livermore 1293 Livermore BMX Nick Valencia (408) 910-0143 (track) www.facebook.com/pages/Livermore-BMX/106308531190

6 CONNECTICUT

KATHY BOSTROM State Points Clerk (941) 371-6437 POINTSKEEPER@FLORIDABMX.COM WWW.FLORIDABMX.COM

Lucerne Valley 1374 X Roads BMX Diego Lopez (760) 964-9957 (track) www.xroadsbmx.com

LISA KNOWLTON State Commissioner (203) 631-8720 CTBMX1@YAHOO.COM WWW.NUTMEGBMX.ORG

Avon Park 1294 Highlands County BMX David Stewart (863) 452-9995 (track) www.highlandsbmx.org

Orange Cove 1380 Orange Cove Ultimate BMX Michael Montanez (408) 607-5095 (track)

KATHY OLSON State Points Clerk (203) 744-7962 DWOSUPERCROSS@MSN.COM

Prunedale 1093 Manzanita Park BMX Craig Jarrett (408) 573-1444 (home) (408) 489-1358 (track) www.manzanitaparkbmx.org

Bethel 0413 Bethel Supercross BMX Don Olson (203) 744-7962 (home) (203) 798-6373 (track) www.nutmegBMX.org

Cape Coral 0109 Cape Coral BMX Paul Rieger (239) 283-1614 (home) (239) 458-1943 (track) www.capecoralbmx.org

Meriden 0410 Falcon BMX Kerry Kuhn (203) 630-2240 (track) www.nutmegBMX.org

Fort Walton Beach 1295 Emerald Coast BMX Bill Madden (850) 796-2326 (track) 850-796-2326 FAX www.ecdandv.com

Naples 1337 Naples BMX Ray Coriano (239) 252-4184 (work) (239) 252-4188 (track) (239) 877-1053 (home) www.naplesbmx.com Palm Bay 1378 Palm Bay BMX Jason Jones (321) 676-8938 (track) www.getintheaction.org Punta Gorda 1034 Charlotte BMX Julio Martinez (941) 625-0640 (home) (941) 637-1676 (track) (941) 815-3691 www.charlottebmx.net Riverview 1381 USA Official BMX T.F. Stephen Gerardi (813) 957-7647 (track) www.usabmxitf.com Sarasota 0110 Sarasota NBL Kelvin Yow (941) 343-0395 (home) www.sarasotabmx.com

Tallahassee 1154 Capital City BMX (614) 416-7683 www.capitalcitybmx.net Tampa 1031 Tampa BMX Raceway Arthur Heinrichs (813) 265-1269 (track) www.tampabmx.com West Palm Beach 1017 Okeeheelee BMX Tommy Cross (561) 642-6774 (track) www.okeeheeleebmx.com

8 GEORGIA SHAYNE ROBINSON State Commissioner (678) 770-1750 PTCBMXBIZ@AOL.COM WWW.GEORGIABMX.ORG LAURIE COLEY State Points Clerk (706) 333-9354 Albany 1182 Parks at Chehaw BMX Tommy Knight (229) 347-2137 (229) 894-4745 (track) www.chehawbmx.com

9 ILLINOIS RICK MOLITERNO State Commissioner (563) 343-1409 RPM063@EARTHLINK.NET SANDY GLATZ State Points Clerk (217) 871-8031 SDOOGIE98@YAHOO.COM East Moline 1075 East Moline BMX Speedway Paul DePauw (309) 796-9644 (home) (309) 796-4455 (work) (309) 792-9407 (track) www.embmx.com Farmer City 1022 F.C.R.A. BMX Rich Voyles (309) 275-5798 (home) (309) 928-2046 (track) www.fcbmx.com Farmer City (Indoor) 1073 Illinois Indoor Expo Rich Voyles (309) 275-5798 (track) (309) 928-2371 (home) www.fcbmx.com

10 INDIANA GREGG SEAL State Commissioner GREG.SEAL@COMCAST.NET WENDY SABATINI State Points Clerk (574) 753-3436 WSAB31@HOTMAIL.COM Columbus 1310 Columbus BMX Scott Brown (812) 350-8172 (track) www.myspace.com/columbusbmx Evansville 0255 G. Mason Burdette BMX Chris Skelton (812) 422-9125 (track) (812) 305-2091 www.burdetteparkbmx.org Hire Park 0933 Hire Park BMX Danny Rumple (574) 268-7433 (home) (574) 268-RIDE (track) www.hireparkbmx.com

» TRACK SPOTLIGHT Waukegan 1363

Waukegan BMX Hector Mendez (224) 430-4762 (track) (847) 863-8679 (home)

Waukegan BMX just finished off a very exciting 2010 racing season! This year we held our 1st Annual “Pack The Track” event which tripled our rider count during the event and brought in so many new riders. Waukegan BMX was also privileged this year to be selected by the NBL to help promote the Strider Bike and our “Future BMXers” have had a great time trying out the cool concept! Also this year Waukegan BMX was voted “Illinois Track of the Year” ! Our dedicated Board of Directors and our amazing BMX Family of Riders strive together to continually improve our track and keep the awesome sport of BMX Racing alive!

www.waukeganbmx.com Indianapolis 1149 Lake Sullivan BMX Kyle Robinson (317) 489-8825 (home) www.lakesullivanbmx.com Indianapolis (Indoor) 1255 Indy Indoor Dave Burcham (317) 538-7697 (track) (317) 440-4986 www.crossroadsindoorbmx.com Marion 1376 Hogin Park BMX Belinda Hussong (765) 662-9931 (track) (765) 668-3698 FAX www.angelfire.com/planet/hoginparkbmx Richmond 0688 Rose City BMX Kirby Bales (765) 993-1961 (home) (765) 966-5953 (track) www.rosecitybmx.org

11 KENTUCKY BETH KARWEICK State Commissioner (502) 243-1539 B.KARWEICK@INSIGHTBB.COM WWW.KENTUCKYBMX.ORG CINDY FULMER State Points Clerk (502) 644-4586 ZRRF@AOL.COM Louisville 0446 Derby City BMX Chad Gingrich (502) 499-6299 (track) (502) 471-7831 (home) www.derbycitybmx.org

12 MARYLAND RUSSELL KELLER State Commissioner (301) 707-2823 RIVERSIDEBMXTD@YAHOO. COM Cumberland 1336 Riverside BMX Russ Keller (301) 707-2823 www.riversidebmx.com Hagerstown 1219 Hagerstown BMX Brian Caron (301) 582-1452 (track) www.hagerstownbmx.com

13 MASSACHUSETTS JOHN BONTORNO State Commissioner (978) 352-6427 JOHN.BONTORNO@VERIZON. NET Wakefield 0449 Wakefield BMX AJ Bontorno (978) 352-6427 (home) (978) 766-2514 (track) www.myspace.com/wakefieldbmx

14 MICHIGAN HERSCHELL BROWN State Commissioner (616) 855-2360 BROWNS@CHARTERMI.NET WWW.MIBMX.COM Goodells 1164 CAN-AM BMX Chad Noetzel (810) 984-4258 (home) www.canambmx.com Grand Rapids 1394 GRBMX Paul Maycroft (616) 745-4863 (track) www.grbmx.com Ionia 1338 Backwoods BMX Andrew Rice (616) 915-2407 (track) www.freewebs.com/backwoodsbmx Lansing 1267 Capitol Area BMX Greg Days (517) 367-8990 (track) www.cabmx.com Midland 1358 Midland BMX Todd Atkinson (989) 615-1913 (track) www.midlandbmx.com Mt. Morris 1405 Michigan Indoor BMX Ron McDowell (810) 813-1454 (810) 412-6480 (home) Oscoda 1225 Northern MI BMX Jim DeOrnellas (989) 335-0368 (989) 739-8226 (track) www.northernmibmx.com Pontiac 0465 Waterford Oaks BMX Jennifer West (248) 858-0915 (work) (248) 431-8506 www.waterfordoaksbmx.com Traverse City 1222 G.T.C. BMX Mike Litwiller (231) 943-9548 (home) (231) 313-8488 (track) www.gtcbmx.com

15 MISSISSIPPI NICOLE BRADLEY State Commissioner (662) 252-7845 NDB@HUGHES.NET WWW.POWERLINEBMX.COM Southaven 1282 Powerline BMX Aubrey Jacobson (901) 734-4860 www.powerlinebmx.com

16 NEVADA JOHN DIAZ State Commissioner (702) 269-9070 JDIAZ@FARMERSAGENT.COM WWW.NEVADABMX.COM

DEBI DIAZ State Points Clerk (702) 269-9070 DEBIDIAZ@COX.NET

ROBIN HOTALING State Points Clerk (518) 234-4782 TRI-CITYCLER@GMAIL.COM

Ely 1088 White Pine BMX Lee Raner (775) 296-0093 www.nevadabmx.com

Bemus Point 1092 Charlie’s BMX Bob Gilbert (716) 386-4BMX (track) www.charliesbmx.org

Las Vegas 0977 Nellis BMX Erik Martin (702) 858-5459 (home) (702) 632-4439 (track) www.nellisbmx.com

Bridgewater 1240 C.N.Y. BMX Nicholas Rauch (315) 404-2713 (home) (315) 822-5896 (track) www.cnybmx.org

17 NEW

HAMPSHIRE

MARIE RUSSELL State Commissioner (603) 275-0828 MMRUSSELL@LIVE.COM Londonderry 1411 Northeast BMX Track Jeffery Palter (617) 230-0131 (home) (781-229-9369 FAX www.northeastvelo.com Rye 1314 Rye Air Field 603-974-2800 (track) www.ryeairfield.com

18 NEW JERSEY Egg Harbor Twp 0773 EHT BMX Linda Vanderhoff (609) 927-9089 (track) www.EHTBMX.org Flemington 0177 Hunterdon County BMX Dan Pautler (908) 416-0532 (908) 806-6645 (track) www.hcbmx.org Howell 1090 Central Jersey BMX Jeff Heath (732) 657-7085 (home) (908) 910-8501 (732) 863-1010 (track) www.cjbmx.org

19 NEW MEXICO

Hamburg 0985 Southtown’s BMX Louis Kaminski (716) 992-6421 (home) (716) 997-6430 www.southtownsbmx.com Kingston 1401 Kingston Point BMX Mike Henderson (845) 339-0618 (track) (845) 336-6611 (home) www.kingstonpointbmx.com or www.myspace.com/kingston_point_bmx Long Island 0725 BMX @ Shoreham Betty Mulligan (631) 744-6238 (home) (631) 821-5569 (track) www.shorehambmx.org New Paltz 1109 New Paltz BMX Jerry Patterson (845) 236-7365 (home) (845) 255-1269 (track) (646) 210-6006 www.newpaltzbmx.org Rotterdam 0492 Tri-City BMX Shawn Morris (716) 523-6882 (home) (518) 382-BMX1 (track) www.tricitybmx.com

21 NORTH

CAROLINA

MELANIE W. CURTIS State Commissioner (828) 456-3082 MWCSWAY@YAHOO.COM WWW.CAROLINABMX.ORG

ROBBIE TAFOYA Clemmons 0821 State Commissioner Tanglewood BMX ROBBIE@ROADRUNNERBMX.ORG Garry Nelson (336) 368-4989 (home) ALISA TAFOYA (336) 766-5269 (track) State Points Clerk (336) 648-0679 ALISA@ROADRUNNERBMX.ORG www.tanglewoodparkbmx.org Las Cruces 1408 Roadrunner BMX Kent Harris (575) 635-8943 (track) (575) 635-8943 www.roadrunnerbmx.org

Gastonia 1263 Wolf’s Den BMX Lee Hodge (828) 970-7174 (home) (601) 397-2924 www.wolfsdenbmx.net

20 NEW YORK

Weaverville 1385 Weaverville BMX Jamie Ritchie (828) 423-2276 (track) www.wncbmx.org

JAY SEVERSON State Commissioner (518) 477-5004 JAYSEVER@NYCAP.RR.COM NYBMX.ORG

TRACK LIST » 22 OHIO JOHN SCOTT State Commissioner (614) 206-5144 JS022BMX@YAHOO.COM KATHY HICKOK State Points Clerk (330) 794-9541 BMX4MOM@AOL.COM WWW.OHIOBMX.COM Akron 0502 Akron BMX William Calhoun (330) 784-3777 (track) (330) 608-9516 (home) www.akronbmx.org Butler 1390 Ohio Dreams Chris Ashcraft (800) 963-3495 (track) (419) 566-1075 www.ohiodreams.com Cleves 1286 Cleves BMX John Peters (513) 479-9700 (track) www.clevesbmx.com Columbus 0973 Heer Park BMX Brian Kulp (614) 783-6951 (home) www.heerparkbmx.com Dayton 1288 Gateway BMX/Cindy Verburg Randy Davis (937) 475-0114 (track) (305) 923-9274 (home) www.myspace.com/daytonnblbmx London 1406 London BMX Chris Dunn (614)771-5943 (home) www.london-bmx.com Monroe 1400 Monroe BMX Walsh Eric (513) 703-9933 (home) www.monroebmx.com Norwalk 1172 Shady Lane BMX Tim Church (419) 663-3604 (track) (216) 210-2991 www.shadylanebmx.org

23 PENNSYLVANIA PETE DAWSON State Commissioner (412) 798-2572 PETEDAWSON607@AOL.COM STEVEN BARNES State Points Clerk (724) 733-5102 SHB316@GMAIL.COM Hazleton 1334 L. Schiavo City View BMX John Longo (570) 956-3747 www.hazletoncityview.com Johnstown 0516 Johnstown BMX Jim Chilcot (814) BMX 4FUN (track) www.JohnstownBMX.org Pittsburgh 0522 South Park BMX George Brain (412) 337-2013 (412) 884-5934 (home) (412) 831-3620 (track) www.spbmx.net Pottstown 1351 Trilogy Park BMX Glen Knapper (610) 906-1317 (home) (484) 363-0592 (track) www.trilogypark.org Titusville 0990 Drake Well BMX Don Wagner (814) 827-3816 (track) (614) 403-3057 (home) www.geocities.com/bmxpop. drakewellbmx.html Westmoreland 0192 Westmoreland BMX Pete Dawson (724) 842-2012 (track) (412) 798-2572 (home) www.westmorelandbmx.net

24 SOUTH

CAROLINA

RICHARD SOX State Commissioner (803) 518-0967 WWW.NBLCAROLINA.ORG Goose Creek 1387 Low Country BMX Rick Simmons (843) 296-4857 (track) (843) 873-7636 (home) lowcountrybmx@bellsouth.net Lexington 1397 Lexington BMX Eddie Sox (803) 309-3237 Lexington BMX is on Facebook!

25 TENNESSEE JASON LEFFEW State Commissioner (865) 591-2581 DBSTECH@KNOLOGY.NET DAVE WARD State Points Clerk (931) 249-4558 Memphis 0983 Shelby Farms BMX Michael Palugi (901) 756-BMX1 (track) www.memphisbmx.org Morristown 0890 Morristown BMX Raceway James Crockett (423) 587-3624 (track)

26 TEXAS El Paso 1416 Snake Pit Argenis Gomez (915) 248-6427 Newest NBL track in the west!! Watch website for construction date and updates.

27 UTAH Virgin 1301 Virgin Regional BMX Dale McCorvey (435) 648-2717 (home) (435) 648-2380 (track) www.racesouthernutah.com

28 VERMONT Bennington 1110 Catamount BMX Cody Buck (802) 375-4137 (track) (802) 688-9059 www.catamountbmx.org

29 VIRGINIA ANDREA GREENE State Points Clerk (757) 420-1495 ALG9194@VERIZON.NET Petersburg 1404 VMP-BMX Mike Eden (804) 732-7888 (track) www.vmp-bmx.com Richmond 1187 Richmond BMX Art Luck (804) 305-1329 (track) www.richmondbmx.com Winchester 0540 Winchester BMX Ben Carey (804) 387-5351 (home) www.winchesterbmxracing.org Woodbridge 1248 Northern Virginia BMX Paul Kincheloe (703) 987-3544 (track) (703) 590-1335 (home) www.novabmx.org

30 WEST

VIRGINIA

ROD MILLS State Commissioner (304) 366-4339 RODSHARONMILLS@VERIZON.NET WWW.POORFARMBMX.COM Fairmont 1319 Poor Farm BMX Sam Larsok (304) 641-5193 (track) www.wvbmx.com

FROM THE FENCE Âť

the new bmx nation magazine debut at the 2010 nbl grands

The Grands bring together many of the head honchos in BMX. Shannon Troglia, Haro Brand Manager, Erich Kreybig, DNA Energy Drink BMX Team Manager, and John Sawyer, Owner of Ssquared and recently, Answer BMX as well.

pro-gate display at the grands line to get autographs from the pros

Just one of our many tireless volunteers, Wally Thomas, one of the best gate starters in the business!

Dominique Daniels gets some advice from her father, Tim, before taking her second consecutive Elite Women title.

FROM THE FENCE »

J&R Co-owner Kirk Morrison discusses strategy with J&R/ Intense Team Manager Scott Angus before the race. J&R/ Intense took second in the year-end Team NBL standings

A broken arm didn’t stop NBL spokesmodel Donna Snow from competing.

NBL Board of Directors Vice President Shayne Robinson and CEO Gary Aragon present Free Agent’s Harrison Britt with $1000 from the Bob Warnicke Scholarship.

enjoying the races

The oldest NBL BMXer, Phares Parsons, gives the invocation to kick off the Grands

icon »

Greg Hill’s

name is as iconic to BMX as the names of Barry Sanders or Joe Montana are to football or Mark McGwire or Mickey Mantle are to baseball. Hill is on the short list of the most consistent and winningest pros there have EVER been in the sport of BMX. He has been one of the sport’s fiercest and most focused competitors. His accomplishments are not only related to his time dominating in the professional ranks, which for him started at the unbelievably early age of 14, they also include ample success in the business side of BMX. He was a pioneer in weight training for BMX. Hill published instructional books and tapes. He started Greg Hill Products (GHP), which like the phoenix from the ashes has risen again to a successful company and BMX team. He’s been team manager and worked behind the scenes at big bicycle companies. Quite simply, Hill’s past successes and continued success have more than insured him a spot in the BMX history books. They have insured that any history of BMX would be remiss without including him.