Queensland
A massive week at 2013 Subaru National BMX Championships
The 2013 Subaru BMX National Championships saw more then 1300 gates drop at the Brisbane SX track with epic battles that saw wins, losses, bloodshed and close calls.
The week kicked off with a sprocket and mini wheeler demonstration, which saw the future BMX stars on the track with their idols for an opportunity to learn more about the sport and get a feel for the track.
And after the little guys had fun the track the racing got serious, Thursday’s Oceania titles saw BMX legends Sam Willoughby and Caroline Buchanan take the win with their victories celebrated with an explosive fireworks demonstration.
The atmosphere at the Sleeman Sports Complex was outstanding to say the least, and things were just getting started.
With Saturday’s National titles up for grabs the crowd was pumped, the sun was shining and the riders were amped to get started.
Corey Frieswyk took the National Championship title for the Elite Mens in a seat gripping battle played out in front of him between Sam Willoughby and Anthony Dean which left an opening for Frieswyk to take the win.
Melinda McLeod dominated in the women’s elite races coming out with a victory in her home state and a comfortable position ahead of next weekend’s World Cup in Argentina.
With Lauren Reynolds and Caroline Buchanan crashing in earlier motos, McLeod took the lead over the other competitors placing her 2 points in front of second place winner Kirsten Dellar.
While Sunday brought cooler weather the riders were just as hot, finishing the week off with the National Cruiser Championships certainly left everyone more than satisfied with the quality of racing over the week.
BMX Australia President Mr Barry Knight said this year was a success and that they had achieved their plan to make this week feel like a carnival style event.
“What we’ve tried to create is a carnival atmosphere, with Thursday night fireworks and how everything is set out, families can come and browse the pro shops, have a cup of coffee, it’s a week’s carnival of BMX for families,” Mr Knight said.
Mr Knight also commented on the positive feedback he had received from spectators; he expressed the importance of being out in the crowd to get a response from the spectators and a feel for the event.
“I like to go out and allow people to approach me and tell me what they think about BMX Australia and how the event is going.
“You’ve got to allow that to happen, you know, to let people either vent their anger or pat you on the back and basically as the board, we’ve gone out and looked at the crowd each day and talked to people about their experience,” he said.
Copyright Peter Ford (CSN)
Looking forward, Mr Knight said he believed BMX is growing fast and will expand greatly in the next few years. With this growth however, Mr Knight stressed the importance of family, community and the grass roots of BMX as a sport.
“BMX, I believe is on the cusp of one of the biggest explosions in sport because of the attraction to this social aspect that comes with it.
“That’s what differentiates BMX as a sport the social side of it, the family involvement, the community feel and the relationships made,” he said.
“I like to look at a balance, so let’s not mess with the grass roots even though we want become a professional organization structure, we still need to be a family orientated structure and service people at that level,” he said.
Next year will see the 2014 National Championships held at the Shepparton BMX club with first class facilities and a track favourite for many riders.
Spending a day like today at a National BMX Championship, was nothing short of sensational.
The future of BMX racing in Australia seems assured after the hugely impressive performances of the Sprocket riders at the 2013 Australian National BMX Championships currently being held at the Sleemans Sports Complex in Brisbane.
Corey Frieswyk from Walkerston (QLD) has scored an amazing win over favourites Sam Willoughby and Anthony Dean in the Elite Men’s Final at the 2013 Subaru BMX National Championships. 
Sam Willoughby and Caroline Buchanan have shown themselves to be the pinnacle of the BMX athletes in Australia with wins at the Oceania Championships under lights at the Brisbane SX Track.More Articles...
CSN Racing Calendar
| Sat May 25 MAP Financial Services for Professionals Metrolopitan Championships |
| Sat May 25 Prime Tour of the Tropics-Cairns |
| Sun May 26 MAP Financial Services for Professionals Metrolopitan Championships |
| Sun May 26 Pickering Brook Road Race-WA |
| Sun May 26 Prime Tour of the Tropics-Cairns |
| Sat Jun 01 Caneland Classic-Childers |
| Sat Jun 01 GMF Goldfields Classic |
| Sat Jun 01 Tour of the Riverland |