Thanks in part to the exposure of the Olympics, along with the growth of 2nd and 3rd generations of racer’s getting their kids involved in the sport they grew up in, BMX racing continues to grow in numbers and popularity with today’s youth.
Gilbert, AZ (PRWEB) August 04, 2014
One of America’s largest action sports - BMX Racing, is coming to town - and with it will be male and female racers, ranging in ages from 2 to 70-plus. During the 11-month long season, the USA BMX national circuit stops in 22 different states, at 30 unique tracks and arenas. The Pottstown stop of the series will bring hundreds of BMX racers and their families, competing for the weekend awards and accumulating points for National rankings and championships.
Among those many riders is a familiar face to Pottstown - local racer Jeremy Knapper, who is also a familiar figure in the winner’s circle. Knapper is currently sitting No.1 in points for his 21-25 year old age group. Knapper, who is sponsored by the Answer~Rennen factory team, has traveled to races all over the country, and has been racing BMX bicycles since a very young age. In fact, Jeremy’s family became so involved in the sport that they also help run the Pottstown BMX facility.
The family-oriented action sport of BMX Racing has been around since the early 70’s, and was born when So Cal youth began converting their Schwinn Stingrays to imitate motorcycles, and held races in dirt fields. Since those early days, the sport of BMX Racing has spread Worldwide - so much so, that it became an Olympic sport in 2008, with its debut at the Beijing games. In 2012, at the London Olympic games, BMX racing was rated as one of the more popular sporting events - and it is within this USA BMX series that current and future Olympians will hone their skills for global competition.
USA BMX racing is full of nonstop action - and the 1,050-foot long BMX track at Pottstown will be fun yet challenging for all competitors. Each race can include up to eight riders, and will send them speeding down the starting hill, maneuvering and sometimes flying over dirt obstacles, zooming around banked turns - all in hopes of taking home one of the large trophies on hand. On average, each race will be a 30 to 35 second sprint, with full contact, close-knit racing and sometimes - thrilling crashes and victories. BMX Racing is exciting to watch for all ages - and spectating at the Quaker State Nationals is FREE!
- There may be a parking fee, though - to help support the track.
Saturday’s competition will kick off with the balance bike class, for 2 & Under, 3 and 4 year olds. At the other end of the spectrum - proving how BMX is a true family sport, are plenty of parents and even some grandparents racing in the larger-wheeled classes for 30, 40, 50 and 60+ year olds. USA BMX racing is one of the rare sporting activities where moms and dads get to compete along with their children.
The economic impact of this event will bring millions of dollars to the Montgomery County economy, and is made possible through a partnership with the Valley Forge Convention and Visitors Bureau.
Quaker State National Schedule:
The USA BMX Quaker State Nationals will be held August 8, 9 & 10th, at Trilogy Park Raceway - located in Manatawny Park, off of King Street, east of the King and Manatawny intersection.
Friday: Action begins on Friday with practice throughout the afternoon and a pre-race at 5pm.
Saturday: Practice continues in the morning and National racing kicks off promptly at 11:30am.
Sunday: Competition starts at 8am, with the main events starting at approx. 1pm.
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About Trilogy Park BMX Track: Trilogy Park BMX was started in 2004 and is one of the premiere BMX facilities in Eastern PA.. Kids and adults are always welcomed to Trilogy Park BMX, with practice and racing taking place every week. Every Tuesday night is open practice, with racing taking place on Thursday nights and Saturday afternoons. Free 1-Day trials are available for first-timer riders, and a USA BMX membership will be required after that.
About USA BMX: The American Bicycle Association (ABA) was formed in 1977 and is headquartered in Gilbert, Arizona. USA BMX organizes BMX racing for boys, girls and adults, throughout the United States, Canada, and Puerto Rico. With over 70,000 active members who compete on a weekly basis at over 370 racing facilities in 48 states, the Olympic sport of BMX Racing continues to grow.
USA BMX, with a 30 event national race schedule, is the largest promoter of action sports in the country.