Up Close & Personal With Jeffrey Barton

Up Close & Personal With

Jeffrey Barton - BMX Dirt Racer

Publication Date: August 1999

On a recent trip to E.P. Tom Sawyer Park, Extremz Magazine had a chance to hook up with Jeffrey Barton, Track Director of Derby City BMX. We took a few minutes and asked Jeff questions about Derby City BMX and its role in the Grand Nationals.

How did you become Track Director of Derby City BMX?

Do you want the long or short story? The short story is that I volunteered last year at the track helping Larry Lee, the former track director, with getting the track ready for the Grand's. Larry wanted to step down, and I kind of got nominated for the position.

What does that entail?

My job is to make sure the track is maintained and safe for racing before each race and during the season - overseeing that the NBL (National Bicycle Leagues) rules and bylaws are observed during the races, and to help organize the volunteers on specific jobs that may need completed.

Volunteers? Doesn't the city or state officials maintain the track?

No, the track is maintained by a group of volunteers made up of racers, moms, dads, and Derby City's committee.

Who is Derby City's Committee?

Well, the President of the track is Tina Newcomb... she is the mother of one of the tracks best 17-year-old experts; the Vice-President is Larry Lee, the former Track Director; then there's the Secretary Dena Shofner, who volunteers at every track it seems; the Clerk Of Course is Jenny Lee, who handles most of the paperwork the races generate for the NBL; and our Treasurer Jane Hedden. Some of these people have volunteered over ten years.

Do you all handle the responsibilities of the track?

NO Way! We couldn't do it without the help of our parents and riders. There is a select few that are always there - Bob Akers, who's a parent and racer in the 50 and over cruiser class; Chris Pope, a parent of one of our star 11-year-old experts; and Tim Omer, a parent and racer. They're always helping with the track maintenance. The volunteers for the local races at the finish line, turn marshal's, staging, starting gate operator, and the announcer of the races, and not forget, our new concession stand manager/organizer. We really could use a few more volunteers, but the volunteers we have now are what keeps Derby City a world class track.

So what about the state and city organizers?

Well, the Park Director of E.P. Tom Sawyer is Rita Stosberg. She's great in the support of the track at the state and city level. And, not to forget, our Park Rangers who watch the track when we're not there... keeping the kids off the track when it's muddy and keeping the vandalism to a minimum.

So, the track is free to ride when it's dry?

Yea, it's in a state park, so the public is invited to come ride the track when the park is open. That is what's unique about Derby City - most tracks of this caliber are inside fences and only open to sanctioned members during races and sanctioned practices.

So how long has Derby City been around?

With the history books and carvings on the stones in the park, we have dates of 1977, but it was located on the other side of the park back then, about were Hurstbourne Parkway is located now. I believe that a few kids saw the movie "On Any Sunday" and it evolved like many other tracks back then with just a small jump or two. The Louisville J.C.'s were the first to organize an actual race. The track did not become sanctioned by the NBL until March 1981. The track was moved to its current location in 1982, I think. The NBL wanted a location were it could put on the grand's, with enough room to handle it.

You mentioned the NBL, what exactly is that?

The NBL stands for The National Bicycle League, which is the largest non-profit national sanction under which we run our races. Much like stock car tracks are governed by NASCAR, NBL handles the insurance programs for the track and racers, rules of the races, and the memberships to the association.

What About the Grand's? How long has Derby City been the host track?

Well, the "Grand's" is the Grand National of BMX racing - it is the Indianapolis 500 of bicycle motocross racing. BMX racers from all over the world have competed through the year throughout the world to come to Louisville and compete for the title of being the best-of-the-best in their age group and proficiency rating.

From all over the world to race bikes? In Louisville, Kentucky?

Yep, this is big...really big. There are racers who show up from all over the US, Canada, South America, Japan, Europe, and Australia, and maybe we'll have a Jamaican Team show up! (Laughs)

What ages are here to compete?

All of them - from five years to fifty year olds and up, rookie riders, novice riders and experts...not to mention the pros.

How long has Louisville been the host city?

Well, 1984 was the first year Derby City got the nod from Bob Tedesco, the NBL's National Director of Competition, and then 1985, 1986, 1987, 1988, 1989, 1990, 1991, 1992 and 1993. It was a nine year stretch until 1994 when it was moved to Columbus, Ohio and in 1995 to Memphis, Tennessee. In 1996 it returned to Louisville and has been here ever since.

Why Louisville?

Well, when the Parks Department and NBL relocated the track to its current location, they wanted to build a world class facility that could handle the amount of competitors and spectators and have a view for everyone to see this spectacle.

Just how many people are you talking about?

This year, with BMX growing as it has, we're expecting 2,600 racers and 15,000 spectators during the Labor Day weekend.

Nearly 20,000 people on Labor Day Weekend?

We hope to top 20,000. We are the largest non-wagering racing event in Louisville - bigger than the auto races.

Why so little press?

It's a secret we keep from the local press, sssssshhhh, just kidding, I guess with the other big events in Louisville going on there's no time.

What big events?

I was hoping you would know (laughter).

I think the press and city officials are aware of the potential amount of dollars generated with extreme sports now, since Louisville hosted the X Trials for ESPN and the incredible turnout it brought.

Yea, the X Trials were awesome, you guy's did a fantastic issue.

Thanks

ESPN will be here at the Grand's also.

Do you race?

Yea I'm out there, I race the 30-year-old and over nervous class...I mean novice class.

Hey Thanks for the history lesson and interview, maybe we'll get more kids interested in BMX.

Thank You, I'm sure if they come out and race once, they'll be hooked.