11 minute read
RIBBON CUTTING
by USA BMX
A city synonymous in the BMX world with the best of the best racing for National Titles and glory, has just opened its arms to the new mecca of BMX Racing. February 15th, 2022 will forever be known to the city of Tulsa, as the day USA BMX came to stay. The USA BMX Headquarters and Hall of Fame – Home of the Hardesty National BMX Stadium and the USA BMX Foundation came to join the Historic Greenwood District. Not only as a business, but a partner in bringing BMX, education, and opportunity to the communities of Oklahoma.
The moment it became real, Tulsa is the Official home of USA BMX.
“The BMX Godfather” seeing his family legacy continue in Tulsa. BMX, a family a sport no matter how young. Olympic Gold Medalist, Connor Fields sitting shoulder to shoulder with Matt Pinnell and G.T. Bynum. The most winningest Pro, Alise Willoughby and John David getting some air time with Oklahoma’s Channel 6 News.
Tulsa Mayor and former racer, G.T. Bynum talking about the unique Tulsa partnerships. LT. Governor Matt Pinnell speaking on the importance of premier sports coming to Tulsa. Greenwood Chamber’s Starr Fisher sharing the importance of partnerships with the Greenwood Community.
The new home of USA BMX got a warm welcome with a rock star line up of speakers including LT. Governor Matt Pinnell, Tulsa Mayor G.T. Bynum, USA BMX CEO B.A. Anderson, Tulsa Regional Chamber CEO Mike Neal, Senior Vice President of Regional Tourism Ashleigh Bachert, Greenwood Chamber and Former Miss Black Oklahoma Starr Fisher, and USA BMX Chief Strategy Officer John David, all emceed by USA BMX President, Shane Fernandez.
Michelle Hardesty being honored on behalf of the Hardesty Family Foundation for their support in bring BMX to Tulsa.
The archive room gives visitors a full history of BMX Publications throughout the decades. 2022 TJ Lavin’s tramp-bike made construction workers scratch their head and BMXers remember their first time trying new tricks.
Tommy Brackens’ speed machine sitting proudly at the front of the Hall of Fame. Jill Kintner’s 2008 Beijing Olympic Bike and Mike Day’s 2008 Beijing Olympic Kit.
The jersey wall showing off the bright colors and battle worn jerseys that have shaped BMX.
Kyle Bennett’s FreeAgent bike watching over the Hall of Fame. “It all starts with a wheelie” Iconic Team Raleigh and JAG BMX kits standing tall.
Top: Corben Sharrah Flowing through the amateur second straight. Middle Left: Alise Willoughby talking about BMX and what it means to have the USA BMX National Headquarters in Tulsa. Center Left: Dyllon Reeder throwing the first T-Bog at the Hardesty National BMX Stadium. Bottom Left: Felicia Stancil, Alec Bob, and Corben Sharrah eye up some lines around the track.
Center Right: Mayes County BMX local, Daniel Bendure, locked and loaded for the first official hot lap around the track. Middle Right: National No. 1 Amateur, Sean Day taking gates off the big hill. Bottom Right: Adam Scott talking all things BMX with the Olympian, Payton Ridenour.
LT. Governor, Matt Pinnell hyping up USA BMX to the local media.
The 2020 Olympic BMX Racing Team showed up in full support of the HQ!
Don Somers gets his track time in between getting the track ready for the demo.
New Additions to the BMX Family
Erick Grindle
National Announcer
Erick Grindle started his BMX life with many racers at the local track doing it for his kids, a voice recognized throughout BMX. Working his way up through the ranks of the announcer game, Grindle has become a part of the family in more ways than he knows. From local to international racing, Erick brings the thunder on the mic, making each lap special for the participating riders. For these reasons, the crew at USA BMX is excited to announce his full-time employment with the American Bicycle Association bringing him on as the official announcer of the USA BMX National Series.
Justin Wahl
Pull Magazine Editor, Social Media, and Race Engagement
Raised in Nebraska and a graduate of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln with a bachelor’s degree in Advertising and Public Relations. Justin will continue to live in Tulsa as he follows the USA BMX National Series, creating content for social media and marketing projects throughout USA BMX, USA BMX Freestyle, Florida’s Sunshine State Series, the USA BMX Foundation, and USA BMX National Headquarters. Justin has grown up consuming BMX content from a family with roots in BMX racing, mainly coming from Pull Magazine. Taking over the role of editor at the beginning of 2022, he plans to bring a new creative ideology into the magazine, showing all aspects of life around BMX bikes.
Steven Adams
Track Director
Joining the office crew of USA BMX, Adams will be learning how to assist BMX tracks and track operators up and down the Eastern Region under the guidance of current East Region Track Director Connie Shepler. A long-time member of the national circuit, Adams will be leaving his “normal” job as a track official to take on a new path in BMX racing. From Grand Junction, CO, the co-track operator of Grand Valley BMX has immense knowledge of the sport, making his switch to the office a bittersweet moment for the BMX family. Bringing a fresh set of eyes into the office space of USA BMX, Adams is looking to get his unique local and national series knowledge into the events that shape and impact many of the racers he has come to know and love.
Primary responsibilities encompass daily marketing, management, and operation of the BMX race track including the development and implementation of programs, special events, and other related activities of a major athletics facility. The position provides direct oversight of daily maintenance activities; organizes and coordinates all operations for the track and facility use including an 8-meter ramp and dual-purpose amateur and supercross track. Duties will also involve working with community agency partners, partici- pating in community outreach, volunteer recruitment, and acting as a liaison for parent support groups. Jacob joined the Board of Directors for Heartland BMX in Topeka, KS, after watching all four of his kids race. Jacob, his wife, and their four children will live in Tulsa.
Scott Shope - National Headquarters General Manager
As the GM of the Tulsa headquarters, Scott will be responsible for the overall EXPERIENCE for all guests, racers, VIPs, community partners, and international visitors. In this role, Scott will also ensure the facility adequately functions to support the following initiatives, spaces, and associated team members: USA BMX Racing track operations team, USA BMX Foundation, USA Cycling, and future Freestyle initiatives, Hall of Fame, Pro Shop, Staff and Athlete Lounge. Scott has decades of experience managing crossfunctional teams in the design, redesign, and launch of cutting-edge business solutions including 14 years working at the Tulsa Zoo - eight of those years as the VP of Facilities and Grounds. Scott graduated from Northeastern State University with a degree in Art Education and served in the military as a U.S. Army Sergeant for six years - we appreciate his service. Scott is local to Tulsa residing in Sand Springs. Scott has a life-long passion for BMX, Vintage BMX restoration, Motocross and is currently a member of the American Historic Racing Motorcycle Association (AHRMA).
Will Haden - Administrative Manager
As the central point of contact for both customers and internal team members, Will is on-site support for the Hardesty National Track Operator as well as supporting all USA BMX Foundation programs related to National Hall Fame, tours, STE(A)M programming, RISE At-Risk programming, executive leadership and team-building experiences, camps, and BMX Racing League. He will represent the organization at community events to engage constituent groups and serve as a liaison to connect with underserved communities. In this role, developing a volunteer engagement strategy will be a key responsibility for Will. He is a proud graduate of Kansas State University with a degree in Public Relations and Latin American Studies, and also has a Masters degree in International Advocacy and Leadership.
Brooke Crain - Director of National Operations, USA BMX Foundation
A two-time Olympian and fresh from her retirement from racing at the Grands in November of 2021, Brooke will be the National USA BMX Foundation leader responsible for all logistics, tracking, and asset management supporting all USA BMX Foundation programs related to STE(A)M programming, Read to Ride, Track Modeling and other initiatives associated with school visits at the HQ or during National Races/Freestyle Events (In coordination with the Mongoose Factory Team) or unique site visits across the nation. Brooke will be the team leader for new initiatives involving Female Athlete Development in both race and freestyle, Financial Coaching for professional BMXers, and Mental Wellness - a cause very close to Brooke. During her race career, Brooke won two world titles and a national championship in 2009 and became the youngest rider ever to make a main event at a Supercross World Cup that same year. Brooke competed in the 2012 London Games and the 2016 Rio Games.
Pro racer and 2017 World Champion, Alec was recruited and awarded a college scholarship for outstanding athletic performance for Marian University where he graduated in 2019 with a degree in marketing. From Rookie Pro of the Year, to World Championship title, to now running his own business, Rexer Rollers, Alec joins the Foundation team with a diverse background in BMX both as a racer and a businessman. Alec will work directly with the Executive Director of the USA BMX Foundation and the President/Chairman in all strategic branding, marketing, and sponsorship acquisition initiatives. In this role, Alec will assist with national events and headquarters special events as well as community-based cycling collaboration and associated programming.
A native of Tulsa and graduate of Oklahoma State University with a degree in Marketing, Bailey will be the on-site USA BMX Headquarters education leader responsible for all USA BMX Foundation programs related to National Hall of Fame tours, STE(A) M programming, RISE At-Risk programming, executive leadership and team-building experiences, camps, and BMX Racing League. Bailey will also manage Oklahoma and regional outreach and training at schools, cycling events, and special events for the Foundation as well as assist the executive director with strategic branding, marketing, and sponsorship initiatives. In 2020, Bailey was a member of the event team for “Tulsa Tough”, and the following year worked as a coach for National Interscholastic Cycling Association (NICA). Bailey is an avid bike rider, is a member of the Oklahoma State Cycling Club, and recently transitioned to mountain biking racing single track and enduro races.
Faith David -Membership Coordinator
Growing up as part of the BMX family in Gilbert, Arizona, Faith decided to make the move to Tulsa to be an integral part of the headquarters team in its new home. In her role as a Membership Coordinator, Faith takes pride in ensuring all of our riders have what they need to be ready to race. If you have called our customer service number recently, Faith may have been one of the friendly voices on the other end of the line. Leaving the AZ sunshine behind for the lovely seasons of Tulsa, Faith may be seen outside of work exploring her new town.
