The complete 2018 National Schedule

Filed under General on October 26, 2017 | Comment(s)

USA BMX is proud to announce the complete 2018 National Schedule. ...and by the looks of things, we're in for another epic year of national caliber racing. Next year's national season consists of many return venues and quite a few new locations - including a return to Roseville, CA, St.Cloud, MN, Trumbull, CT, Toledo, OH, and Pottstown, PA, with a first-time-ever stop at the dual-hills of Sarasota, FL.

Check out these 26 delicious destinations leading up to Tulsa's Grands, and start plotting out your family vacations around BMX fun and thrills. Each destination has plenty of great attractions and entertainment to make your road-trip an experience of a lifetime. Also, with several 3-day nationals, you can get your scores in by hitting fewer races! 

For the Pros, the 2018 series includes 10 stops - including four North American Supercross races, plus the ROC and Grands. Oldsmar, Rock Hill, Louisville, and Sarasota will host the Big Hill events.

STOP #1: LAS VEGAS - South Point Arena - Jan. 12-14

The tradition of kicking off the brand new national season in 'Vegas continues. And if you haven't yet had the opportunity to attend one of the two Las Vegas stops during the year at South Point, then you need to add it to your BMX bucket list.

It's short track racing at its finest. And with every amenity imaginable within the South Point, there's no reason to leave the hotel/casino. But in case you do, The Strip is just up the road with a ton of attractions and shows awaiting you and your family.

New for this year is the addition of the Presidents Cup, which moves West for the very first time. Riders will be competing over three days for an extra award - the traditional, customized President Cup trophy. Stay tuned for more details. 

#2: LOUISVILLE - Freedom Hall at the Fairgrounds - Jan. 26-28

The indoor circuit continues with stop No.2 on the 2018 National Schedule, as USA BMX returns to the KEC Freedom Hall on the fairgrounds. With close by hotels right outside of the expo building, which is right across the freeway from the Louisville Airport, you can literally ride your bike back and forth if you wanted to avoid getting a rental car. It's that close! 

With plush arena seating with box-seats available to rent, your pit area could be first-class with a great view of the track from any location. The arena, which once hosted the UCI World Championships back in 2001, has great dirt and a good size floor to build an ideal national course. The pit and vendor area is also extremely large, so there is a ton of room for teams, brands and mobile vendors to set up inside, away from the elements.

#3: TULSA . Ford Truck Arena - Feb. 9-11

Just across the parking lot from the Grands-location (the River Spirit Expo) is a row of Ford-sponsored buildings. The nicest one of the bunch is the Ford Truck Arena- where USA BMX has held the Sooner Nationals for the past four or five years. The Sooner's track is always a fun one and the quality dirt available ensures a great course that'll be unique and challenging to riders of all ages. 

Centrally located smack-dab in the middle of the United States, this one is easy for all to fly in and out of, and it's a proven fact that the City of Tulsa LOVES BMX. This will surely be one you won't want to miss.

#4: PHOENIX - Black Mountain BMX - Feb. 16-18 

Black Mountain is fast! Black Mountain is fun! Black Mountain is a blast, and traditionally kicks off the outdoor season of USA BMX nationals. With a ton of camping spots, the Arizona Winter Nats is always a great race for RV'ing, and keeps the fun and excitement going 24 hours a day.   

Phoenix will also kick off the first PRO Series race of 2018, where many of the top Elite pros and Olympic athletes will compete for the prize money and points. Traditionally, winning at the Winters has been a big factor for Pro athletes, which sets the tone for the new year.

  But that's not all! If you didn't make your main at Rock Hill's World Championships this year,
  and are wanting to go to the 2018 Worlds in Baku, Azerbaijan - the Winters will be one of
  two Team USA Qualifiers. 

One thing is for sure: the action at this year's Winter Nationals will be non-stop!    

#5 OLDSMAR - Oldsmar BMX - February 23-25

Round two of the 2018 Pro Series continues the following week, as the BMX World travels across the U.S. to the Sunshine State, for the ultimate dual-hill facility in Oldsmar. With their Olympic-level starting grid, Pros will be coming off of the big hill and goin' bonkers over the challenging Oldsmar track. The Gators will also play host to the USA Cycling "Race for the Sleeve" - Elite National Championships, to score themselves some bonus credentials in two years when the Tokyo Olympic Games come around.

  But that's not all! If you didn't make your main at Rock Hill's World Championships 
  and are wanting to go to the 2018 Worlds in Baku, Azerbaijan - Oldsmar on Friday will be   
  your last chance Team USA Qualifier.

Amateur riders will be coming off of the 5-meter hill and hitting the monster berms and radical track with the skills of a seasoned BMX Pro. It's been said - if you win at Oldsmar, then you can win anywhere! With plenty of tourist attractions - including the home base of J&R Bicycles and Profile Racing closeby, there's always plenty of other fun activities to do before or after the races. Make a vacation out of it! 

#6: LOUISIANA - Ike Hamilton Expo - March 9-11

There's a lot more to do in West Monroe than to just visit Duck Commander Headquarters (but if you like, it's only 10 minutes from the arena). Once you've bought your duck call, it's time toot your own horn on the track. Winning at any USA BMX National is a feat in itself, and the Cajun Nationals have drawn some impressive numbers the past couple of years.

Maybe it's the fun and fast track? Or maybe it's that great Southern hospitality? Or perhaps its the USA Cycling Collegiate National Championships? This is the one big race of the year for colleges with a cycling program. Every top-BMX student with a BMX scholarship will be in attendance, vying for the stars and bars collegiate sleeve and championship title. 
For whatever reason it may be, the Cajuns are one national you won't want to miss out on!

#7: ALBUQUERQUE - Duke City BMX - March 16-18

Under the tall covered roof of Duke City BMX is New Mexico's thrill-ride of a BMX track, with cool elevation changes (at elevation) and a variety of obstacles that'll be fun for novices and experts alike. Located just up the street from the Isotopes stadium (ABQ's Minor League Baseball team), near the UNM campus, this year's Spring Nationals will be an excellent Southwestern experience for all attendees.  

Better yet - PRO racing returns to Duke City! This will be Round 3 of the 2018 Pro series, with the World's fastest Elite athletes puttin' on a show for their fans while gaining points for the National No.1 Pro Championship.  

#8: ROCK HILL - Novant Health BMX Supercross - March 23-25

Round 4 for the Pro Series takes us back to the home of the 2017 UCI World Championships! If you didn't have the chance to compete at the Worlds, now is your chance for redemption. And if you DID race Rock Hill at the Worlds, then you know oh-so-well how incredible this first-class facility is!  The track is monstrous, with no shortage of passing room anywhere on the track. You have room to spare when making your moves and the gigantic asphalt turns are just begging to be carved up like a Thanksgiving turkey.

Being a Pro Series race, this will be the second "Big Hill" race of 2018, as the Pros and Super-Open (Amateur) racers will launch themselves into infamy off the 8-meter hill. After such an incredible World Champs, everybody will be chomping at the bit to take on Rock Hill once more.

#9: OREGON - The First Interstate Bank Center - April 6-8

Located indoors at Redmond's Deschutes County Fairgrounds, the newly re-named First Interstate Bank Center has played host to the Great Northwest national for the past decade (since 2008), and there's a good reason this race keeps returning to Central Oregon. Great track, great racing, great riders and great amenities - from hotels to restaurants.  

Placed strategically at the hub of the Tri-County area (Deschutes, Jefferson, Crook Counties), this race is the perfect draw for racers from all corners. And if you're looking for extra activities - from snowboarding to mountain biking, Redmond has it all!

#10: ATLANTA - Cobb County BMX - April 20-22

In 2017, the BMX World was introduced to the all-new and massively improved Cobb County BMX, and we all loved it. For 2018, USA BMX and hordes of BMX families in search of fun will be in attendance for the Dixieland Nationals, including many of the top AA-pros and women pros. 

Located in Powder Springs, GA - a northwest suburb of Atlanta, Cobb County BMX has been the pride of Wild Horse Creek Park, and with its grass fields and shady trees, this may very well be one of the most relaxed and comfortable locations on the 2018 circuit. You can't beat the friendliness of the Georgia locals, the track staff, and the action on the track never disappoints.

#11: TEXAS - DeSoto BMX - May 4-6

Since building DeSoto's covered arena, this track has bred some of the fastest racers in the sport and hosted Texas' most talked-about BMX racing over the past 18 years. Now with new TO's (former racer Casey haar and her husband Chris), along with a solid group of volunteers, DeSoto BMX recently hosted an impressive Gold Cup Finals, and everyone could not wait for the Super Nationals to return to the track under the big top. 

Located just south of Dallas, DeSoto has plenty of nearby hotels and a ton of attractions close by, and whether you chose DFW or Love Field, flights into Dallas are affordable and never a problem. 

#12: BAKERSFIELD - Metro BMX - May 18-20 

After a very impressive Fall Nationals in 2017, USA BMX and its members wanted to come back for more! The West Coast will be stoked to know that the USA BMX National circuit will return to Bakersfield for 2018, at the newly revamped and totally dialed-in Metro BMX track. Under new management, this track is quickly becoming one of the best facilities in California - deservingly a host to the 2018 Golden State Nationals. 

BMX Racing in California in the month of May?! What can be better than that?! 

#13: NASHVILLE - Music City BMX - May 25-27

Memorial Day weekend 2018 is going to be chock full of BMX action, as the Music City Nationals returns for a 3-Day national weekend, along with Round Six of the 2018 Pro Series. Typically named by top-ranked Amateurs as their all-time favorite track, Music City has a little bit of everything for all skill levels of riders. The famous first straightaway escalates quickly with speed and big air, and as you rock through the asphalt turns, the track becomes a fun-filled thrill ride of a roller coaster that you never want to end. 

As a Pro Series event, you'll be able to watch and cheer on the very best in BMX as they near the halfway point in the 2018 Pro battle. You'll also love the atmosphere of Nashville - from the lakeside track, the tree-lined pit areas, to the nearby attractions such as the grand ol' Opry and Musci row in downtown Nashville.

With Monday off for vacationing or taking your time to get home, come and see what Nashville has to offer!

 #14:  ROCKFORD - Rockford BMX - June 15-17

It's been a BMX tradition for thirty-some years now, and there's a good reason why - Rockford ROCKS. From the insanely fun and finely-groomed track to the exciting atmosphere and shaded pit and camping areas underneath the trees of Searles Park, Rockford BMX is one of the favorite stops on the circuit each year.

As a bonus for 2018, Elite Pro action returns to The Rock! The Worlds fastest men and women in the sport will be hitting "The Drop" and flying thru "Bermzilla" at mach speeds, along with over a thousand of America's fastest amateur racers. 

Old school BMXers and vintage bike collectors also love Rockford, as it hosts one of the largest BMX shows and swaps on Saturday. Take a step back in time!  Located about an hour and 15 minutes NE of Chicago O'Hare, airfare to Rockford is always affordable and its central location in the MidWest draws in the very best BMXers of this region. 

#15: ROSEVILLE, CA - Oak Creek BMX - June 22-24

Without a Reno race this year, Roseville gets the honor of hosting the Summer Nationals. The last time Oak Creek BMX held the Summer's was in 2009, and the BMX World has been anxious to return. With a recent re-build last year, and plenty of room for camping out under the oaks, the Roseville race will be one of the major stops on this year's circuit.

Located just outside of Sacramento, CA, there are plenty of attractions to visit in California's capital, once the races are over.  

#16: TRUMBULL, CT - T.R.A.C.K. BMX - June 22-24

Located in Indian Ledge Park, Trumbull's legendary T.R.A.C.K. has been Connecticut's leading BMX venue since 1982 - holding some of the most epic East Coast races over the past four decades. 

Centrally located, this fine park-side facility with paved turns and a rhythm-filled last straight will challenge racers of all ages and skill levels and is sure to draw in the East Coast' very best. 

 #17: POTTSTOWN, PA - Trilogy Park BMX - July 6-8

Welcome to Knapper-land! Being in a plush tree-filled Trilogy Park, Pottstown is well known for its super smooth, slurried surface and awesome racing atmosphere. It's also well known for being home of the Knapper brothers and plenty of other ultra-fast locals. Add all of the quickest East Coaster to the mix, and the 2018 Stars 'n Stripes National is going to be a HOT one. 

Located NW of Philly, there is a huge list of attractions to go see after the races are over, or if you stick around a day or two. From the Liberty Bell tour or taking in a Philly's game, this is a great destination.  

#18: LAS VEGAS, NV - South Point Arena - July 13-15

The South Point hotel and casino is such an awesome place for a race that USA BMX goes there twice a year! With everything you need under one roof - from food to entertainment for adults and kids alike, the Las Vegas nationals never disappoints. Racing can even be viewed form your hotel room TV, and the stall-area for your pits are just a few of the things that make this race so unique.

#19: ST.CLOUD, MN - Pineview Park BMX - August 10-12

The BMX world will be stoked to return to Pineview Park BMX - the home track of Olympic silver medalist Alise Post. The last time USA BMX held a national in St.Cloud was in 2015, and it's always been a blast!

Best of all, this time around will be a Pro Series event, drawing in the World's fastest BMXers from all over the planet. From the Minneapolis airport, it's about an hour and 15 min drive to St.Cloud. 

 #20: SO. JORDAN, UT - Rad Canyon BMX - August 3-5

Rad Canyon BMX has been a traditional stop on the National series since the mid-90's - due to its stellar facility and central location. As a suburb of Salt Lake City, there is a ton of cycling fun all around you - from mountain and road biking to BMX. 

A great place for a family vacation, be sure to take some extra days to enjoy all that Utah has to offer before or after the always-awesome racing at Utah's finest BMX facility.

#21: TOLEDO, OH - Speedway BMX - August 10-12

Northwest Ohio's premier outdoor BMX facility, it's been a few years since the National circuit last stopped in Toledo. Be prepared for some BMX fun and excitement as Stop #21 takes us to the Toledo Speedway. 

With some of Ohio's finest zoo's, aquariums and museums, the Toledo CVB invites you to make this race a family destination next summer. 

 #22: SUMNER, WA - River Valley BMX - August 24-26

The Lumberjack nationals again return to the Home of the real BMX Lumberjack - River Valley BMX. 

Having hosted the plenty of national events over the past four decades, Sumner has a ton to offer attendees. Practically shaded by the mass of Mt. Rainer (50 minutes away), nearby Tacoma (27 min to the west), or all of the sights of Seattle (42 minutes north), you'll never run out of things to do or places to see once the racing has ended.

#23: LOUISVILLE, KY - Derby City BMX - August 31 thru Sept. 2

Derby City BMX - located in E.P. Tom Sawyer State Park is one of our sport's longest lasting traditions. These days, with their dual starting hills, and high-speed course, Louisville remains many pros and top amateurs favorite track of all time.

A great race to camp out at - amongst the grassy, tree-lined park, the fun and festivities never end once you pull up. The racing will always be great and winning here is something that you'll forever brag about. 

#24: RAYTOWN, MO - Raytown BMX - September 21-23

Host of numerous nationals and Gold Cups in the past, Baytown BMX is in a suburb of Kansas City, MO.

With a fast, downhill first straight and asphalt turns, Raytown BMX is a fun and flowing track that is awesome for spectators. Being so close to Kansas City, racers and their families often take in the "Worlds of Fun" amusement park close by, before or after the event.

#25: SARASOTA, FL - Sarasota BMX - October 12-14

YES! For the first time in USA BMX history, the National circuit will stop off in Sarasota, Florida - to take on the much talked about, much anticipated dual-hill Sarasota track. 

Of course, with its dual hill, this one will be a Pro Series race, with the World's Fastest coming off of the 8m Olympic-sized start. This race could play a big factor in the title-chase for No.1 Pro, and is sure to be a favorite for America's fastest amateurs! 

#26:  TBA NATIONAL - TBA LOCATION - October 19-21

Ahhhh ...for now, the final regular-season national of the 2018 season will remain top-secret. Even torturing us with nails on a chalkboard won't reveal the location. But we do promise you that it'll be at a great venue.
Stay tuned, though - as it will be revealed by Spring or Summer of 2018. 

#27: TULSA - River Spirit Expo Center - November 22-25

It's always been, and always will be the #GreatestRaceonEarth. What more can we say? After eleven months of accumulating points for NAG and National titles, every BMX racers on the planet looks forward to the USA BMX Grands. From Thursday practice, to the Friday ROC, and then capped off with two non-stop days of Grands action - we'll find out who becomes one of the nine National No.1 title-holders. 

Will it be YOU? 

And there you have it, folks - you can now start planning your BMX schedule for next season and begin putting in those time-off requests so that you can attend some America's best BMX facilities. 

We hope to see you at the races in 2018!