ABA’s “Dixieland” a Delight

By Mike Carruth

I don’t think of the band “Alabama” all that much, but every year when we drive down to Atlanta for the ABA Dixieland Nationals, I just can’t help it.

By the time we hit the Tennessee line, their song “Dixieland Delight” is firmly impacted in whatever zone of the brain makes you play a song over and over and over again in your head. And whistle it. And sing it out loud when people are trying to sleep after the Midnight fillup. And in the Breakfast area of the Holiday Inn Express.

After repeated performances of that lil ditty, we made it out to Cobb County BMX. A drippy week, with rain all the way up to Friday morning, left the track well-watered (probably an understatement)…we were getting tweets and texts all day driving down that the track was “soft.”

But by race time on Saturday, much of that had been worked in (though parts of the fourth straight still had a case of the spongies right through the time Bill Madden passed over it to win Sunday’s 41-over ex main).

Speaking of pre-race chatter, there was a lot for this race. Vintage had its normal “Roll Call” thread, which showed some pretty strong interest, Facebook, and Twitter also. Social media is a real godsend in that way–you kind of get a “temperature” of how a race is going to be before you even hit town.

And despite the soggy lead-in, Saturday and Sunday were both picture-pefect race days. I credit the ABA for this. Afterall, when it rains, people categorically make it their fault (how “this is the worst time of the year to hold a race in (insert location here),” or “there is always rain on this weekend,” etc.)…so, only fair they get the credit when it goes right, eh?

162 motos on Saturday, and 152 on Sunday was a very respectable running–moreso if you consider there were two NBL races in the region which drew about equal numbers (a National in Virginia, and one of their very-well-attended state races in Florida). All told, about ~490 motos of BMX Racing in the Southeast on Saturday…good news for the BMX Racing faithful.

A total of 18 riders in the A-Pro class (16 on Sunday) made for a weekend of well-contested racing that made fencelines swell each time these guys were on the track. Jr. Devo had a boys class only, with one rack, and held the crowd–just like a Simpson’s episode after a good Superbowl.

In these classes, it was all Rockford on the top of the podium. Olijuwan Davis went 1-1-1-1 both days, and was oh-so-impressive. It is really interesting to see how riders find their groove (or don’t) once they hit the pros. OD has got it goin on, and you are going to see his name in the results a lot this year.

OD’s home-track-homie, Tyler Whitfield, is a skills clinic incarnate. Probably the most chill and mild-mannered kid to ever strap on a pair of Sidis. But once that gate drops, it is all business. In the rare instance he was not out in the lead this weekend, there was no cake walk for the guy in front. Cobb County’s last straight is rhythm. This slowed down some, and sped up others. In three-of-four mains, Tyler mounted strategic last-straight charges with his hyper-honed manualing skills to win the race in the final feet, scoring a double-double. Santiago Marin and Jake Hootman were on the receiving end of the instruction both days in Jr. Devo and 16x, respectively, though both rode incredibly strong.

Back to A-Pro, ’twas good to see Jason Larev back in the saddle after a self-imposed layoff. This weekend proved he had not lost his mojo, making both mains (scoring a fourth and a sixth). Kovachi’s Seth Utz has had his pro card for a few months now, and is one who is definitely finding his groove. Seth (far left in the above shot) was a factor in all the motos, and ended up with a second and a fifth for the weekend. Seth’s dad told me a great story on how he brought Seth out to see a national here at Cobb County when he was four years old…and that was it…they have been doing this ever since–16 years!

Team competition was fierce, with Snap and AllTow tying for the Factory win on Saturday, and AllTow getting the win on Sunday. Word was that AllTow chief Renato Pistolesi would lop off his shoulder-length locks if the team broke 200 on Sunday. Well, the score was 201, and Bill Morris was having a fun time egging on the crowd as he announced the team results. Renato held true to his word, and sat for the ol’ chop-and-bzzzzzz. These photos were posted to ABA’s Facebook page (will open in a new window) Photo 1 | Photo 2.

On the Am side, it was a lot of “second verse, same as the first” between the two days. Some of the standouts:

Was good to see Chase Hines’ SE threads back on the bike, after a three month layoff (collarbone in practice at the Christmas Classic). He and Brandon Elmore had a battle Royale in 17-20 Cruiser, with Brandon getting the win on Saturday, and Chase on Sunday.

Brandon made his 12-hour trek from Dallas worth the gas, with double wins in the stacked 19-27 ex class (and the aforementioned Saturday Cruiser win).

Meredith Lidstone commanded respect from all comers this weekend, winning 41-45 G-Cruiser both days, and taking her 20″ to the front on Sunday for a win in what amounted to 17-over girls.

Lots of Arizonans in the house this weekend (and not just in the ABA trailer). Dougie Butcher came up with a pair of deuces on Saturday in 12x and 12C, and improved his cruiser finish for the win on Sunday. He seemed to have some bad luck in class, with a Sunday snowman in the main. Still, Dougie gets the “never give up” award for the weekend. After splitting a link in his chain while leading first round of 12x on Sunday, he kept momentum and pump-raced his way to a second place transfer spot (check out his chain in the photo). “Second round is for sissies,” he says (by actions only).

The Bull and The Eagle (AKA Ethan and Avery Moore) scored big in ATL, with double wins in 7x and 10G. Ethan has a heck of a front straight, and is a never-say-die little guy. Can’t help but think how amazing his skills will be when HE hits Jr. Devo in about seven years…word is he has tackled the SX hill at Speedworld already.

Bopping back to the stars of the “right” coast, Justin Posey was all-the-way-on in Powder Springs. He and local hero Chandler Denton were bar-end-to-bar-end a lot this weekend, and Denton was riding extremely well (more than a few commented how he was riding at the very edge between way-fast, and out of control–with preference to way-fast). Austin Loebe was leading Saturday’s 17-18x main, with Posey and Denton in close pursuit. The pack dropped into the first turn, and only Loebe came out, along with the mid pack and beyond. Sunday, Posey kept the rubber side down, and closed the deal on the win. Loebe was second and Tanner Sebesta with the third.

Smilin Doran Bradshaw had plenty to grin about this Dixieland weekend. A decisive double-double in 36-40 Cruiser, and 36-40 Expert. Pretty good weekend for the Morphine crew, really. With OD’s pwnership of the Pros, and Doran’s aforementioned triumph, Jonathan must be jumpin for joy down in the Sunshine state.

On the “Softer Side” of the ‘Springs, lots of repeats in the Girls classes. 11G had a full dozen in the chutes, and Young Gun Anais Hill held the pink slip (no gender-pun intended) on the class both days.

Bad To The Bones Lexa Jones Sscored big in Powder Ssprings, sscooting her Ssquared to twin wins both days in 12G and 11-12G Cruiser.

Samantha Brown put the beat-down on 15G, earning the high hardware both days.

As with most/all ABA races, things ran with Swiss-Watch precision. No drama…everyone had a great time. We love coming to the Dixielands every year, with the free parking, yummy concessions and honest-to-goodness bathrooms (supported by a bank of porta-potties as backup). Margie Hatfield and her crew have been doing this for longer than most of the riders this weekend have been alive…but their product continues to show solid quality and “service.” When you visit a track and those key elements are absent, you sure miss them.

Well, the circus caravan that is the National BMX Racing scene has pulled up stakes here in Atlanta, and heads west on I-40. Next stop: San Diego, CA for the ABA So. Cal Nationals and USA Cycling National Championships in two weeks. I only hope “Dixieland Delight” is out of my head by then.

“Rollin’ down a backwoods Tennessee byway, one arm on the wheel…”

LINKS

Photo Galleries from The ABA Dixieland Nationals
Saturday Photo Gallery

Sunday Photo Gallery

Dixieland National Results (via ABABMX.COM)

A big thanks to Young Guns BMX for letting the BMXNEWS.COM support entourage set down in their pit for the weekend.

Cut To The Chase With ABA and JBL

First-round-transfers and tag-along siblings will have plenty to do this weekend at the ABA Winter Nationals. JBL and the ABA are putting up a tasty JBL iPod/iPhone dock as a prize for the most soulful video edit from the Winternats.

Grab the video camera (or your favorite video-enabled smart phone), and capture some footage that pairs JBL’s brand with the excitement and non-stop action of one of the biggest races of the year.

After the race, you’ll have a week or so to cut together your raw footage and make it into a killer clip of three to four minutes in length. Post the edit to Vimeo or YouTube, then send the link to ABA marketing chieftain, Shannon Gillette (shannon@ababmx.com). Entires will be posted on the ABA Facebook page, to be admired and “liked” by the masses.

The entry with the most Facebook “likes” by 1PM Pacific Time on April 4 will receive the JBL On Stage IV iPhone/iPod dock.

Fun stuff. We’re anxious to see what you guys come up with.

ABA’s New Logo is a Go!

Lots of changes percolating at the ABA these days. As BMX News reported last week, the first issue of their new, yet-to-be-unveiled magazine is on-press as we speak, and due for a debut at next week’s Winter Nationals in Phoenix.

Well, those at last week’s Super Nationals in Desoto got a glimpse of some new branding on the hoof, as ABA slipped in their new logo on the podium checks held up by the pros.

Above, you’ll see Dennison Smith hoisting his bacon for the A Pro win, and with that, in the upper left, is the new-fangled ABA brand mark. The logo has a Neville Brodyish feel to it, with a parade lap rider in the middle proudly carrying the American flag. Look beyond the podium riders, and you’ll also see a new checkerboard backdrop for the podium, festooned with variations of ABA’s new slogan “Be That (Rider/Kid/Parent).”

We’re excited to see what else the Gilbert gang has stepping off next week as every BMXer in the known universe heads to PHX. You’ll be there, right?

Oh yeah, congrats to A-Pro podium-placers Dennison Smith (center), Ron Vega (Left), and Justin Dodson for the ol’ 1-2-3, respectively on Sunday. We’re pretty sure we pinched this photo off Big Daddy’s Facebook page, so thanks to whoever took it.

ABA Teases On New Magazine

Last week, the ABA teased visitors of its website with the above graphic, saying that the days of their in-house magazine, BMXer, were over as of the issue that just hit our mailboxes.

Word is that a new-era publication is in the final days of production, and will be hitting mailboxes in March. Not much else for public consumption on this yet, but we are convinced that when you pull this dude out of your mailbox before leaving for the Winternationals, it’s going to scream “I’m Here!”

More to come as info is available.

777 Hits the Jackpot in Florida

By Larry Hamel and Mike Carruth, Photos by Jim Paiva

The weather was perfect in the Tampa Bay area this weekend and everyone was bringing their aces to the table. The track added a competitive element beyond the gate-to-stripe variety, in that there was a “too extreme…just right” tug-o-war, right out of a mid 90s TV commercial (“Tastes Great…Less Filling,” for those who may not have been born yet).

Oldsmar Track operator John Sawyer and crew rebuilt the track from the staging lanes to the shut down area, complete with what some lovingly called a “supercross lite” starting hill. For race day, the track was big, tough, and fast.

A Pro

The A Pro class saw some great action with the new kid on the block and the comeback kid this weekend. First place swapped with “AA” Alex Anthony and Dennison “Big Daddy” Smith taking the split wins, respectively. Freshman Tommy Zula looked fast but opted for the Pro Set each lap and was not rewarded for his efforts. Warren McDow has been around for a while but he was riding fast, hard and smooth bringing his signature power along with him. Look out for all four of the afore mentioned riders to be staring at the Elite Men on the gate very soon.

Vet Pro

Vet Pro Champ Kenth Fallen dominated the class both days. He looked great handling the big track and was challenged only a handful of times by John Purse and “O-show,” Percy Owens. Fallen, Jackal and Owens seem to be going faster and looking smoother every year, and it’ll be interesting to see where the class ends up, come Grands time with Matt Pohlkamp joining the class in Guthrie. The podium was a copy-paste from day one’s results on Sunday.

Dance Factory (DFR) seems to be treating Jackal well, and word is he is training some fast cats to revive the Puerto Rican BMX scene. He definitely has his hands full of BMX goodness.

Jr. Women

The Jr Women podium was another that had a case of the “familiars,” with Brooke Crain, Dani George and Taylor Wolcott guest starring both days. News talked to Brooke, who said “(Dani) has definitely stepped up her game…her first straight is awesome.” Brooke’s air skills on the second straight had everyone talking…higher and smoother than all the ladies, even the big sistas in Elite.

Jr. Men

Rusty Nesvig was on the gas all weekend in both class and Jr Men, taking double the wins and double the money home to the 619. Most of the heavy-hitters were there trying to best Razzleberry but he was just too strong and had the smooth low line through the Pro Set. Watching all these youngins going big and fast is great to watch, putting on a great show for the fans battling it out every lap and pushing their skills to the limit.

Elite Women

On Saturday, the stage was set for a great battle in the main, with Amanda Carr having a 1-1-1 in the motos and a first in the semi, while Dominique Daniels had a 1-2-1. In the main, Amanda came out of gate 4 and Dom out of 8. At the first jump, one was not a string of spaghetti ahead of the other. Down the second and third straights, it was a classic battle of the pumper vs. the jumper, as Dom maintained a healthy lead using the ground assault strategy, and Carr boosted a few sets trying to catch her. Dom got a little squirrely down the last straight, but not enough to upset the second-and-a-half (using the official “one-one-thousand” timing system) lead she had on the flying Amanda. Ashley Verhagen joined Dom and Amanda on the Podium.

On Sunday, Amanda Carr was not on the sheets, dropping the class from 17 to 16 ladies. It was Dom’s day, with a solid 1-1-1 in the motos. Home track heavy- hitter Ashley Lynch Ssquared-off well, catching a pair of aces for herself in the first two rounds. Arielle Martin was showing some solid laps with a 2-2-2, and Amanda Geving had a pair of deuces until she got the drop on Lynch in the third round and scored the win. In the Sunday Main, Dom was way out in eight again (by choice) and Lynch was laned up in four, where Carr had been the previous day. Cools was on the inside. Lynch seemed to get out of shape on the roller leading up to the first jump, and took a pretty serious digger, taking Arielle with her over the first jump. Exiting turn one, it was Daniels, Geving, Cools. Amanda G put some pressure on 3D down the third straight, with a few defiances of gravity, but it was Dom with the win, and another pair of top-spot vouchers for the VSI contingency cash.

Post-race injury report: Ashley Lynch would later post on her Facebook page “I’m fine, I appreciate everyone being concerned – I’ll be back on the bike soon.” A twitter photo from late Sunday had her right leg wrapped-and-strapped in a big ol velcro and metal thingy. Arielle, who also got the fuzzy end of the lollipop in the Ashley wreck ended up with a “Boxers Fracture” on her hand–not too serious (no pins, no surgery), but four-to-six weeks out of the action.

Elite Men

The big boys were another nuclear-ninjas-on-NoDoz class, with 40 on Saturday, and 39 on Sunday stepping up to sample John Sawyer’s handiwork. According to the results, Arnaud Dubois of Belgium DNS’d moto one and two on Saturday, won the third and then was MIA for Sunday, not appearing on the sheets. We’re not sure what the story was behind that, but that was an interesting standout.

The motos were slammin, and when we say that, we mean it literally as well as figuratively. Liam Phillips came across the pond and had a spot of bad luck, when he and Riley Stair tangled on-or-about the first jump, first round on the first day. The wreck was extreme enough that it cracked his helmet (@liamPHILLIPS65, via twitter: KO’d after crashing in first round. Another @FoxEurope lid that did it’s job properly. http://plixi.com/p/76823050).

On Saturday, only Marc Willers and Tory Nyhaug made it through motos with trip aces in eight AA racks. Hometown hero Josh Meyers had the next lowest points out of the motos with a 2-1-1. Joris Daudet, who won Saturday in Guthrie was on hand, and looking strong, with a 1-1-3.

Sunday had 1-1-1s for Willers and Daudet and a couple 3-1-1s for Sylvain Andre and Nic Long.

Looking at the results for the weekend, one might assume the ABA’s typewriter had a sticky “1″ key, because both days have Willers as 1 1 1 1 1 1. Ol 777 did not deuce a lap all weekend (including quarters and semis), and in this company, that is as close to absolute ownership as one can get. Marc hauled away $4200 in purse money for his stellar performance.

The 2010 ABA National Number One Pro, Sam Willoughby made his appearance on the 2011 stage, and ended up with a second and a seventh for Saturday and Sunday, respectively. Sam had one too many digits on that number plate, opting to rock his “91″ UCI permanent number over his ABA #1 (we will try to get the WUWT for a followup).

In Saturday’s Main, Willers was in gate one, with Sharrah and Willoughby in four and five; Sylvain Andre was on the far outside. Willoughby got the first call from the tower after the gate dropped, but as of the backside of the first jump, Willers was edging a slight lead. Corben jumped it, and seemed to lose a bit of ground to Daudet, at least for the moment. In turn one, Nyhaug rode Daudet WAY up high, and gave Corben the daylight he needed to dive for the inside, coming out in fourth behind Willers, Willoughby and Tory. That’s how it went through turn two and down the third straight. Corben got some good momentum out of the last turn and pulled even with Tory. At the line, it was Willers, Willoughby and Sharrah by a razor over Nyhaug for the final podium spot.

Sunday’s main consisted of (from the inside to outside) Willers, Daudet, Corey Reid, Willoughby, Sylvain Andre, Jeff Upshaw, Nic Long and Josh Meyers. Start was clean and pretty much even for all. Then, the pack started to break up at the first jump, but was still basically dead even between Willoughby, Daudet and Willers. Into turn one, Daudet and Willers had a slight edge on Sam, and Marc was on the inside. At this point in the race, Sylvain was in sixth, and Reid in seventh. Josh, who was way on the outside in eighth coming into turn one set up a bold pass which brought him from eighth to fifth. But, coming into the second straight, it appeared he traded paint with Sam, and by the time the riders emerged from behind “The Wall” (the affectionate name for the jump out of turn one), Josh was doing a no-footer-one-hander into the infield. The second turn had it Willers, Andre and Daudet, with Reid two and a half bikes back. By the last turn, a few very subtle losses in momentum in the big set cost Daudet all the edge he had in turn two, and Corey caught up, taking up the way-inside, and pinching off Andre’s line coming out into the final straight (with maybe a whiff of contact). Reid’s push kept USA on both podiums for the weekend.

Maturing Amateurs

Among the Ams, Maliek Byndloss was not to be robbed of a win, making a move in the first turn that would have made a geometry teacher check the math, coming from fifth to first, and not looking back on Saturday, same way, up top, on Sunday. Brandon Elmore rockin his Redman colors for the second time out took a 1st and 2nd, looking fast and doing the Tribe proud. Speaking of Redman, Walker Finch is a “man amongst boys,” muscling two aces in 13x.

Felicia Stancil is still a phenom, even though her and her new Speed had yet to be formally introduced in battle prior to wheels-down at TPA. She racked up four firsts and two seconds in Oldsmar (Jr. Devo on Day one and 15G on day two went to her BFF, Shay Glynn).

We always look forward to Oldsmar, and already have the hots for the trip out of the cold in 2012.

Now that you’ve read the syllables, check out the sights via Jim Paiva’s Saturday and Sunday photo galleries.

LINKS

View Saturday BMXNOW Photo Gallery

View Sunday BMXNOW Photo Gallery

Oldsmar Results Page, via ABABMX.COM

GO211 Oldsmar 2011 Page

2010 ABA ROC Plate Design Unveiled

With 21 days til the ROC, we were excited to get this little gem in our inbox just now–the design for the 2010 Race Of Champions. Totally Tangent, and bold in its “I’m Number One” assertion, you still have three solid weeks to train so you can win one. Better stop reading and go get some gates.

ABA Jr. Devo Brings Bucks for USAC BMX Efforts

Ever wonder what happens with your entry fees once you pass them through the window? Well, if you’re a Jr. Development rider, here’s a peek. ABA just announced that, in its first year of operation, the Jr. Development series contributed $35,000 to USA Cycling to further support the BMX program. Here’s an excerpt from the release:

“We believe that this program has contributed significantly to the development of our young athletes, and are pleased to be able to make this contribution to USA Cycling,” stated ABA CEO, BA Anderson.

Through local races and its national series, the ABA had more than 200 young men and women compete in Junior Development races. The USA Cycling BMX Junior Development Program (JDP) Series is designed to take our next generation of young, talented athletes to the highest level of BMX racing. The goal of the program is to prepare this group by providing unprecedented access to the U.S. Olympic Training Center in Chula Vista, California. The program is open to all riders, 15 and 16 years of age, using the UCI BMX calendar (August 1 to July 31 of each year).

“The partnership and support from the ABA has helped to ensure that Americans will remain on top of the sport of BMX for years to come,” said USA Cycling Chief Executive Officer Steve Johnson. “With support from organizations like the ABA and Intense BMX the USA Cycling Junior Development Program will continue to thrive and cultivate the next crop of Olympic and World Champions.”

With the second year of JDP now underway, we look forward to continued coverage of the amazing progress the athletes are making, and also to seeing the first “graduating class” of the program get their first real-deal laps at the Chula Vista SX next month.

Speed Gets Traction With ABA Rollout!

Back on March 1, BMX News reported on the newest brand to come out of the secret labs at Toby Henderson’s VSI Products (home of other marquis names such as Intense BMX, T.H.E., Sinz* Products, ITS and Vigor helmets). This week, Speed Bicycles announced they were ready for the starter to hit the cadence button and get the race started: building a brand new BMX brand from scratch.

A release said:

The Speed “M Series” frames are constructed from custom-drawn, 6061 alloy, triple-butted, hydroformed tubes, with integrated head tubes. Lightweight and strong, Speed frames offer the perfect blend of engineering and design for BMX racing.

The Speed M Series Frames will be offered in 7 sizes –Mini XL, Junior XL, Expert XL, Pro, Pro XL, Pro XXL, and Pro 24”. MSRP is $399.99 and each frame includes a headset.

Bikes will begin shipping within the next few weeks, and the web site should be up & running by the time you read this (or very soon thereafter)

As part of the rollout (to continue with our starting gate analogy), Speed is kicking its promotional machine into hyperdrive by joining as an ABA National Series Sponsor. Quoting, again, from the press release:

“As it has been for over 30 years, the American Bicycle Association is the leader in BMX Racing.” said Toby Henderson, CEO of VSI. He continued: “When we decided to launch Speed Bicycles, of course our first contact was with the ABA. They have been a key partner in marketing VSI brands for many years now, and we are very happy the relationship focuses on the growth of BMX Racing. This Team effort makes us, again, proud to be an official sponsor of the ABA with the new Speed line of bicycles.”

We assume the debut of the Speed/ABA partnership will be at this weekend’s US Nationals in Bakersfield, CA.

Check out the line of Speed Bicycles at speed-bicycles.com

*You did know, of course, that Sinz is properly pronounced like “Signs,” not as in “acts forbidden by God.”

Estrella To Bring SX to PHX

There have been a few rumors kickin around the forums and pit areas the past week, that we may be seeing another BMX Supercross track in the United States before long. Today, BMXNEWS confirmed that Estrella Mountain BMX in Goodyear (Phoenix), AZ is the place. In an exclusive interview with “News” today, Track Operator, Justin Hill said that they are “already moving dirt, and getting the straightaways in place. The [8-metre starting] ramp is in the process of getting its engineering drawings approved by the City of Goodyear, and we expect that to be done in the coming week.”

The track will be a “ride-along” track which will have two starting hills (Elite and Challenge), and will have parallel straightaways…basically a replica of the 2010 UCI Worlds track in South Africa (both tracks sharing a last straight). “We want riders to be able to train on the Worlds track so they have the best preparation possible” said Justin.

Justin’s clearly-stated goal is to offer an additional resource to the long-established SX track at the US Olympic Training Center in Chula Vista. “This track will be open to more riders, and will be a little more affordable to train on. We are working with local resources like the Comfort Suites here in town and the LA Fitness club nearby, so visiting teams can ‘plug in’ to a package deal we will set up for them. When they land, all they need to do is show up, and we’ll hand them their hotel keys and gym cards. We will even have an entertainment component set up at the local Dave & Busters so the riders can enjoy some down time.”

You may recall that Estrella (properly-pronounced “Ess-tray-ah,” for the Spanish word for “Star”), made headlines earlier in the year by resigning their NBL sanction and joining the hometown crowd of the ABA. Since the switch, local and state-race moto counts have gone through the roof.

A natural question, given the fact that his will be one of only a handful of permanent BMX Supercross facilities in the world, is “Will you be hosting a UCI World Cup event?” On that, Justin is, understandably, a bit guarded, simply saying “Naturally, we hope to attract that kind of event to Estrella, but nothing firm has been put in place yet. The ABA is a tremendous help in helping us make the right connections on that.”

Another begging question is “What happens after the 2010 worlds? Will you be changing the track to model the 2011 worlds?” Again, maybe more work is being done behind the scenes than can be spoken of publicly, as Justin says “We do plan to change the track in the fall. If the 2012 Olympic design is out by then, who knows?”

All this development is not some “way down the road” affair, for as we said at the top, dozers are moving dirt now, and the ramp is due to be built in the coming weeks. Justin says that they are shooting for an “early-to-Mid-June” opening.

BMX News will have first photos of the in-progress build, and we hope to have coverage from the first events and ribbon-cutting ceremony when the time comes.

ABA Winternats: Talent Zooms as Storms Loom

On the heels of yesterdays post, where we talked about the events leading up to the big day, today was akin to the moments just after the Space Shuttle lights ‘em up and begins to shake, rattle and roll up the tower. Not quite calling “Liftoff” just yet, the 2010 ABA Winternationals held its organized practice and pre-race today. And not unlike the stars arriving 300 miles away in Hollywood, a constellation of BMX stars unlike any other this year has turned out to uphold the long-standing tradition that holds “it ain’t a season until the Winters.”

In addition to top-hand American elites, Phoenix is playing host to contingents from the Netherlands, the UK, South Africa, France, Japan and even a Canadian or three. Mike Fields made a great point in his Vintage post earlier this evening when he noted that the pro turnout was thick enough to cause a 15-minute delay in getting through staging to get another gate in practice. Granted, it was mingled in with JR. Devo types, but still… Also on hand are a slew of dirt jumper stars who trekked down in the Vans rig. .

Mike Day and Khalen Young are in town—two blokes we have not yet seen in the new decade. Check out the newest episode of the Announcers Tower Podcast where Mike talks about his ongoing back injury, and long-term plans for London 2012.

GT and Free Agent are suited up in new jerseys, making it extra fun to try and pick them out of the crowd. Known no-shows thus far include Injured-reservists David Herman (nursing a hip fracture), and Jason Rogers.

A healthy 97 motos in the pre-race today, which Mike Fields says foretells a 280+ moto Saturday (I think the formula is suspended for this race, due to “special circumstances” of added foriegn participation and everyone wanting to escape colder days in their zip code (present company included).

No GO211 this weekend in Phoenix, so you’re going to have to kick it mid-school and get your news from us. We will be posting nightly updates here, as well as photo galleries on BMXNOW.COM. Also, follow BMXNOW on twitter for as-they-happen-updates from the infield. Speaking of the infield, there is an 80% chance of rain Sunday, so providing there IS an infield and a place to stand, we’ll be reporting from there Sunday as well. There was talk of the weather, but it did nothing to dampen spirits in the pits.

Photos will be posted by lights out both days. Speaking of photos, here is an appetizer course of photo-ala-moto from Friday’s pit stroll and pro practice. Enjoy!

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