How the STEM program is helping grow the sport of BMX.
THE SPARK
In the world of BMX racing, municipalities and parks departments adhere to the “If you build it, they will come” mantra when considering construction of a BMX track in their community. This is not the case in Pryor, OK where a BMX enthusiast, his employer, and the USA BMX Foundation have found a unique model for new track development: STEM education.
The story begins in November 2014 when John Schaffitzel, who was preparing for Grands, heard the words “BMX” on the TV. The local news channel was reporting on the USA BMX STEM Program and their work in Tulsa Public Schools. John’s interest peaked and that was when he knew he needed to find out more about the work the USA BMX Foundation was doing in schools with STEM and BMX bikes.
BMX racing is important to John. His employer, MidAmerica Industrial Park, had been investing in STEM education in Mayes County, Oklahoma for a number of years, and he had raced as a kid, but didn’t get back into the sport until his son began racing at Sand Springs BMX. Since that time, John held several positions at the track and served on their Board.
THE SETTING
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Denne historien er fra March 2019-utgaven av PULL Magazine.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
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GOLD CUP NORTH CENTRAL
If there is one good thing about this year’s Covid closures of states and counties, it is that tracks that might not normally have gotten a shot at hosting a National or Gold Cup event, were now given that opportunity.
MID-AMERICA NATIONALS
2ND COMING USA BMX STOPS IN NEBRASKA ...AGAIN.
GOLD CUP SOUTHEAST
This year the DK Bicycles Gold Cup South East Finals were held at one of the fastest BMX tracks in Alabama - Circle City BMX, in Dothan. If trying to claim one of the coveted Gold Cup Plates brought you to Circle City BMX for your first time you might have been surprised when you first saw the track layout.
GOLD CUP SOUTHWEST
When you roll into the local Quiktrip and one of Tucson’s finest looks at your shirt and asks if you know Corben Sharrah, you can only be in one city in America. Often coined as the loudest city in BMX, it doesn’t matter if there is a single fan or a gaggle of Tucsonans, they know how to bring the energy.
GOLD CUP NORTHEAST
With all of the uncertainty in event planning this year, it was not a huge surprise that the DK Bicycles North East Gold Cup Finals shifted locations somewhat last minute. We were very lucky to have it and at a great location, Akron BMX in Akron, Ohio. The Big Red Truck was last here for the 2018 North East Gold Cup Finals, and the track is located in a pretty incredible location.
FALL CLASSIC NATIONALS
JUST OVER THE UTAH BORDER WE’D FIND THE WEST’S LAST STAND FOR 2020
DERBY CITY
It might not have been LaborDay, but the BMX world was anxious to finally return to the longtime Louisville tradition. ...and it was well worth the wait!
1998 HARO Monocque
“Captain America” ShowBike Custom painted by Troy Lee.
HOW TO GROW THE SPORT OF BMX RACING
Are you interested in starting a new track?
SECOND TIMES A CHARM
It just seems like yesterday that we were in Rock Hill for the Carolina Nationals and here we are again.
