By Leigh Ramsdell, Sports Marketing Manager
It’s been said that the USA BMX Grand Nationals is “The Greatest Race on Earth.” I was just in Tulsa for this year’s Grands event and it’s hard to disagree with that statement! Moto counts were bigger than ever, the riding was top-notch, and the stoke was at an all-time high. Team Mongoose was on hand to show off our goods, and to make a comfortable pit space for our team riders Brooke Crain, Mason Hayes, Payton “P-Nut” Ridenour and Cam Wood. The brand even had another pit for the LRC/Mongoose team run by none other than Mongoose brand athlete Dwayne Taylor!
What makes the Grands such a special event? Well Mason Hayes says, “I think it’s just a great experience for other people just to see how big BMX really is and it gives everyone an opportunity to compete against some riders they may have not raced during the season. It’s just a super cool event to have, and it’s right in the middle of the country for everyone.”
For Payton, her favorite part of the event was the track itself. “I loved the track this year, and it was great to have all of team Mongoose along with my mom and dad there to cheer me on. And even better to lay down some good laps and finish 3rd overall in the USA BMX ranking for the season!”
The event also had some big stakes for Cam Wood, who was in contention for this year’s Men’s Pro title. He started off strong with a win on day one, and had this to say, “I kind of started a little bit slow and just worked my way into the day and I managed to grab a much-needed win. I am just happy to put my Mongoose on top.”
Unfortunately, on the second day during race two of the mains, Cam crashed hard in turn one taking him out for the last race. Even with the crash, Cam earned an impressive 2nd place for the year end title!
One of the highlights of the Grands was to see Brooke Crain back on the track! After taking some time off of her bike to focus on family and career, she decided she just wanted to get back on her bike and have some fun. “It’s been amazing. I didn’t think that I would have missed it as much as I actually did,” said Brooke. “I had so much fun and I’m just excited to ride my bike again. It took me back to being a kid and why I got into racing in the first place because I love to ride my bike.” And isn’t that what it’s all about?!
Payton had this to say about her teammate. “It was awesome seeing Brooke race again! I was super excited for her and loved seeing her rip some hot laps with that same style like she never left!” You should have seen the smile on Brooke’s face after her first moto. No trophy could have replaced that and seeing her on the podium was just an extra treat!
The final race of the grands was the 56 & Over Expert class with BMX legend Eric “Big Daddy” Rupe on his trusty Mongoose. Eric was out in front most of the race, and on the final turn he got passed but still held it down in 2nd place. It is amazing to see Big Daddy still out there and loving what he does!
And that’s a wrap for Team Mongoose at Grands 2023 Grands in Tulsa, OK! It’s always a treat to watch the non-stop race action, hang out with the team, and see how BMX is still growing and getting kids on bikes! I can’t wait for 2024!
Photo credit USA BMX & Lee Photography
