Carolina Nationals Race Report & Pics

Filed under General on March 21, 2015 | Comment(s)

Rock Hill.

Those are two words that will soon become synonymous with the highest level of BMX racing - just like "Chula Vista" and "The OTC" have. All of the photos you've seen, all of the hype you may have heard, still does not do this venue justice, until you've arrived in South Carolina and seen it live, in person. Walking up to the entrance, through the brand new Signups/Concession office building with the swirly roof is like entering the pearly gates. This is, truly, BMX heaven!

The City of Rock Hill has been 100% behind this project for years - and when they do something, they do it right and spare no expense or effort. Much like Metroplex BMX in DeSoro, this multi-million dollar facility was built from hotel and visitors tax revenue - and you can bank on it that Rock Hill and the Novant Health BMX track will be a regular stop on the USA BMX national circuit for years to come! With much anticipation, the crowds arrived in droves - some who'd already experienced their awesomeness lady year at the Gold Cup Finals East, and others (like me) who have heard all of the hype and couldn't wait to check it out in person. The inaugural Carolina Nationals weekend was destined for non-stop action, beginning with Friday nights 127 moto pre-race and USA Cycling Elite National Championships. All of the top American men and women were out to win that prestigious red, white n' blue jersey sleeve.

Defending champs Alise Post, Connor Fields, Collin Hudson and Shalean Reno were out to retain their stars 'n stripes left sleeve. For the juniors, the race for the guys would come down to their moto finishes - as Hudson and Ryan Pettigrew were the sole title contenders. And a tie in points would make their third main finish determine the Jr Men's championship. J&R's Pettigrew beSt out Collin for the better score in round 3, and took the Jr title. Staats' Kelsey VanOgle - the sole Junior lady, impressively made it to the Elite Women's final, proving her worth in winning her first Jr. Elite U.S. Title.

After some great battles in the motos and semis, the Men's Elite main was chock full of the fastest American pros - for a 1-lap, no crap finale'. Just milliseconds before the ProGate dropped, Justin Posey and Connor Fields jumped the gun and slammed the gate early. Posey nearly went over the bars, but recovered quickly and got back on the throttle, as Haro's Nic Long grabbed his trademark holeshot. Connor, on the other hand, came un clipped and went straight to the back and would have his work cut out for him. As Long checked out, Posey came back strong and moved in to the 2-spot with his sights set on the #64. Amazingly, Fields weaved his way thru traffic to nab the third. As Long and his Haro carbon crossed the line in victory, it was the 2012 U.S. Olympian's third USA Cycling Championship in his career.

If Nic's 3 in a lifetime record sounds impressive, what would you say to 6-consecutive?! We'd say ...Beast-mode! Redline's Alise Post has been just plain dominant when it comes to this USA Cycling event - and tonight was no different. Post snapped hard and with a 3 to 4 bike length lead over her fellow 2012 Olympic teammate Brooke Crain, won her 6th USA Championship in a row. In all, it was a great way to kick off what will no doubt be an awesome weekend of BMX racing!

SATURDAY: CAROLINA NATIONALS Day 1

If Friday night was incredible, and just a precursor to the fun to come on the weekend, the fans all know that we are in for one heck'uva an awesome race. As we said at the beginning - this is BMX heaven. And the weather on Saturday matched perfectly.

In the end, Rock Hill lived up to its name - litterally. Remember those two words: HILL, as in two giant starting hills, and ROCK - as in "This race ROCKS!"