The 2009 National Bicycle League’s Grand Nationals lived up to its tradition as the most exciting BMX race of the season. After the NBL rebuild in late July, the Derby City facility located in E.P. “Tom” Sawyer State Park was in spectacular shape for the five day event. The Derby City crew had the track dialed in for the ultimate race in BMX.

   Kicking off on Wednesday with the NBL Future Stars Clinic you could feel the excitement in the air as the clinic attracted almost 200 riders, for two sessions, with eight featured Elite Men, Women and Super-Ex instructors. Riders gained valuable inside tips for the reconfigured track, from some of the best in BMX.

   Elite racing rolled out onto the track Friday afternoon, with the UGP Open and Elite Last Chance Qualifier. The stands were packed with spectators ready to watch their favorite Pro riders rack up those last minute points towards the coveted NBL Year End Titles. The Elite Men’s LCQ was won by the 2009 NBL season leader Maris Strombergs, with Randy Stumpfhauser placing second, and Christian Becerine in third.  Elite women saw Alise Post best Dominique Daniels and Amanda Geving. Super Ex racing was fast and furious, with Tyler Faoro, atop the podium; Fausto Endura and Josh Meyers were right on his heals. The Masters Class was a mix of old and new with Joey Albright leading the way over John Purse and Percy Owens. Seven classes competed in the UGP Open, with great UGP prizes for all those making their mains.

   Participation in the inaugural “Powder Puff Picnic” was pegged at close to 300 participants. The ladies and girls enjoyed a little refreshment, got autographs and took pictures with current Elite Women. Fun was had by all. The festivities for Friday ended with the NBL Premier showing of the new release of “Stompin Stu”. The documentary produced by the makers of “Joe Kid on a Stingray” was shown on a 28’ by 24’ jumbo screen and was enjoyed by a cheering crowd of hundreds.

   Saturday is the day every NBL amateur looks forward to, the final step towards capturing an NBL National #1 plate. The day featured two rounds of intense BMX racing, showcasing the best BMX racers in the sport. Just prior to the Elite Championship final, all the top BMX manufacturers and teams hosted an Elite autograph session.

   The NBL Elite Championship races had a great turnout and kept the crowd on their feet for some classic NBL battles.  Randy Stumpfhauser led the way for the Elite Men, with Christian Becerine and Bubba Harris rounding out the podium. Even with a huge crash in the Elite Men’s main Maris Strombergs captured the NBL Elite Men’s title. Dominique Daniels was back on top capturing both the Grands Championship race as well as the 2009 Elite Womens title, Krystal Hime and Amanda Geving raced their way to podium finishes in the Elite Women’s class also, placing second and third respectively. Matt Kelty, Logan Collins and Weston Pope went One-Two-Three in the Super-Ex, and Josh Meyers took the Super-Ex number one plate back to Florida. The Masters class was spectacular with John Purse doing it “Jackal” style in the third turn to capture the Grands Championship race, Joey Albright placed second and Will Murray took the three spot. Dale Holmes lays claim to the 2009 NBL Masters number one plate after an outstanding season.

   With a slight break for Mother Nature, the Amateur classes completed their National Season on Sunday. Eighty six mains and 688 trophies later the 2009 NBL Grands were history.  A highlight in some racers careers, and a stepping stone for others, the 2009 NBL Grands were a great success and fun for all.

   We would like to thank the sponsors of the 2009 NBL National Season, BAWLS Guarana, Kenda USA, VSI Products (THE Industries, Intense BMX, Sinz Products), and Hot Shoppe Designs. Please support those that support the NBL!