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The nation's #1 BMX track in South Park hosting national racing series (video)
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Pittsburgh can boast itself as world class in many categories:
- Most livable city
- Super Bowl XLIII champion Steelers and Stanley Cup champion Penguins
- Top ranked hospitals
Well, let us add another accolade to the area’s growing world-class trophy case – BMX track and racing. South Park BMX has consistently been rated as the best track both nationally and internationally by professional riders and BMX publications. Brian Kooros, a local rider knows of the prowess and challenges the track offers. “I like the track, because of the steep doubles and tight rhythm section; and its downhill slope makes it fast,” said Kooros. South Park BMX can boast hosting the first internationally sanctioned BMX event that was televised globally.
During the heydays of BMX racing in the 1980’s , it would attract over 2,000 riders competing in their national races. The first track director, Bob Tedesco, has had his picture and the story of local BMX racing on display at the Senator John Heinz History Center. The track has a vibrant racing scene today that includes age brackets from children to adults for both men and women. BMX racing has come to the forefront again with the success of the X-Games and with its inclusion in the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing, China.
The track is one of the few that have hosted a National Bicycle League (NBL) sponsored National event every year since its inception in 1978. This year is no exception with the Stars-n-Stripes National happening on Saturday, June 27th and Sunday, June 28th. The track will host the best local, regional and national riders. The best-of-the best national and international riders in the NBL Elite Series will race including 2008 NBL Champions, Randy Stumpfhauser and Stephanie Barragan along with 2008 Olympic medalists; Maris Stromberg (Gold/Latvia), Mike Day (Silver/U.S.), and Donny Robinson (Bronze/U.S.). The NBL will also host a Future Riders Clinic on Friday, June 26, 2009 from 11am to 2pm at South Park BMX.
For more details on local BMX racing and attending the Stars-n-Stripes Nationals as a spectator, visit South Park BMX.
You might also enjoy these:
Olympic BMX Racing Finals Highlights
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