BMX Grand Nationals

What's been Louisville's best kept secret? BMX racing, of course. This year will be no different. September will once again bring the NBL Grand Nationals back to E.P. Tom Sawyer Park in Louisville, KY. With a premier track and the centrally located state of Kentucky, one can see why the National Bicycle League keeps choosing this city to host the Grand's.

On September 4th and 5th, thousands of participants will show up from all over the country to be a part of the '99 Grand Nationals. The BMX track usually looks like a refugee camp with tents, campers, trucks, and trailers. All the big sponsors, along with their teams, will be present: Airwalk, Huffy, GT, and Schwinn-just to name a few. The races usually bring top network sports and news teams to televise the finals.

There are three skill levels in BMX racing: Rookie, Novice, and Expert. The brand new rider will start as a Rookie and will race other Rookie riders the same age, or close to the same age.

Age classes in BMX are one year apart, beginning with the 5-year-old and under class and continuing up to the 17 and older classes. Beginning riders will continue to compete in the Rookie class until they have won eight races within the points' year. When a beginning rider reaches eight wins, he will then become a Novice racer.

All racers start at the top of a small hill, behind a starting gate. As the gate falls, the racers dash down the hill through a course of winding turns and jumps. The racers must compete in three motos or heats to determine the overall winner. The rider with the highest number of points is the winner.

The racing is free to the public and there will be a lot to see and do. Food vendors, bike manufacturers, clothes, shoes, helmets, and parts will all be present for the enthusiast. The racing is fast with a moto running every 20 seconds all day long. Racers range from 5 years-old to 59-that's right! There are plenty of thrills, chills, and spills.