The Sooner National is over for another year.
As it has been in previous years a very competitive weekend of races for
the Central US.
If you were not here then you missed more than competitive racing, you
missed a huge group focused on our great sport.
I would like to say to each and every one of you who came to 'our' race
here in Oklahoma a huge THANK YOU.
I say this not only as a Track Operator but as a BMX parent, BMX racer
and only one individual involved in BMX.
Not only was this weekend a very successful race and very good for
Sooner Pearl BMX but it was an opportunity for me to get to know more of
you who make up the fine sport.
I had time to talk to many people this weekend. One being Pierce Barker
of Pro-Gate. I have to say I had seen his product in action before at
another ABA National event and was impressed. Now that I have had the
time to set down and talk to Pierce 'one on one' I have seen something
I did not see before. First I saw and talked to one person who does not
race BMX but is more dedicated to the sport than many racers. Not only
an knowledgeable, dedicated and honorable person, a but a down to earth
man who is very interested and involved in BMX racing. Pierce is someone
who has taken his knowledge and built upon it to make this a better
sport. Many of you know me and many don't. Some say I have a way of
seeing things in a different light (if you will) and this weekend I saw
a bright light for BMX. Not only for ABA, NBL, UCI or any sanction but
for the riders. One thing I have always worked for since becoming
involved in BMX is rider safety. Saying that, I believe Pro-Gate is the
future of gate systems in BMX. No, Pierce didn't pay me to say any of
this. I say it for the riders and because this is one thing which is
true BMX and that is 'it is a time for a change'. I say thank you to
Pierce for his time this weekend. I think he understands better than
most! That being said see for yourself.
Once again we here in Oklahoma were fortunate to have a National race in
Guthrie. Yes I do think this is a great race. Yes there will be a 2007
Sooner National (straight from Clayton) and yes it is a very successful
race for racers, vendors and ABA. Not only that but there are great
people here and good people who recognize this is one great race to
compete in each year. This state is a sports state and it looks as if
BMX is one sport which will stay and grow here in Oklahoma for a long
time on the National level.
I want to again say THANK YOU to everyone who came to the 2006 Sooner
Nationals.
I want to invite everyone back again next year, if you don't come then
you WILL miss one of the best ABA Nationals.
Now that this years National is over (and like many other sporting
events) plans have already started for 2007.
I invite you to come next year and see what we have in store for ABA BMX
in 2007and hope you have a great 2006 race season.
Loved every minute of it!
Richard Axtell
Track Operator, Sooner Pearl BMX Raceway
Oklahoma City, OK
Co-sponsor of the 2007 Sooner National

PS. I have to include our Co-sponsor track Yukon BMX. Yes they have a
great facility and it is good to be involved with their track and the
Sooner National each year.
And last but not least a thanks to ABA for giving us the chance to have
this race and for coming to Oklahoma to build some awesome tracks and
great friends
See YOU next year!!