Factory Redline Oldsmar Race Report

For the first USA BMX Elite Race of the 2012 season, the entire International Redline team headed down to Oldsmar, FL to duke it out with Elites from around the world– nearly freezing to death in the very un-Florida-like weather (which included lows in the 30s, right around main time on Saturday, and nasty gusts of wind).

In the gate for the first time since the Summer of 2011 was Alise Post, who has recovered from her torn ACL and looked very strong, riding her Signature Redline Flight AP to a second-place podium finish on day one. Day two saw her luck change, however, when she fell on the first straight in her semi. Thankfully, she jumped right back up, unscathed, and finished out the lap.

Sam Willoughby was in top form, hitting the podium both days, with a full-volume lap in Sunday’s main to win it all. The finishes quickly put SW91 in the points lead for the first-ever USA BMX Elite Men’s title.

Also finding their way into the Elite main events were Dutch Redline riders Merle Van Benthem, who picked up a fourth and a sixth; and Jelle Van Gorkom, who finished out the weekend with a pair of sixes.

Canadian Tory Nyhaug sizzled in the motos both days, with wins every trip…but blew up over the last set of the Pro Section in the Semis on Saturday, and then came unclipped in the first straight, taking him out of the mix for the day two main as well.

Earning the most Team Redline Air Miles for Oldsmar was Masa Sampei from Japan. Though Masa didn’t quite make it to the mains, his riding was solid all weekend.