ABA NAGs Get the Royal Treatment

The ABA has worked the magic once again this year, with specially-designed THE helmets for the NAG #1 champs in each of the 60 NAG-eligible age groups (like the one on Patty Metzger, above). In addition, they doled out 600 (yes, that is six-zero-zero) NAG jackets by Hot Shoppe Designs to the top 10 in each class. Here is the official release:

This weekend at ABA’s season opener in Reno, NV the ABA awarded amazing prizes for the top ten ranked riders from each 2009 National Age Group (NAG) category. ABA presented 60 custom THE #1 helmets to all 2009 NAG Champions and 600 custom Hot Shoppe designed jackets to the NAG top ten riders. This is the second year ABA and THE have partnered to recognize the NAG Champions with custom helmets and the first time in ABA history that ABA awarded all Top 10 (NAG) riders with a custom Hot Shoppe designed jacket!

The NAG jacket awards were a direct request of the membership after a recent program change. The riders asked and the ABA BMX team delivered!

No question that awards like these are added incentive (aside from the tell-tale grey numberplate) for outstanding achievement. We saw tons of NAG jackets in the pits, in the hotel, and even on the track in Reno, and more than a few shed their normal lid for the Black and Silver champion colors. BMXNEWS sends mega props to ABA, THE and Hot Shoppe for their “give back” attitude to the riders.