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Seeing that I only got out to 2 outdoor races this year I didn't get to see how some racers had improved over the year. What I did notice was how a few of the older racers have really stepped it up this year. Who gets props in the little guy/gal classes, the teens & of course the older classes.

Here are my picks.......

- John Alvey. He looks just like he did when he was 13-14 yrs old, super fast & fearless. Very impressive.

- Dave Park. He was just getting up to speed when he had that horrible foot injury earlier in the year. Not only has he come back better but he's on the cusp of being a contender just like his lil' bro.


Please, if youv'e noticed someone who deserves a shout out, shout it out!

b.

Alex Clift, Ty Cote and Wyatt McKay need mentioning in here, too. Ty's only like 3 wins from expert. Alex just aged up and is still killin' it. Wyatt and Alex were trading back and forth before Alex aged up so watch out for Wyatt...

And speaking of Clifts and Cotes... how about those boys' dads?! Both turned Inter over the summer. Dave Cote had a NASTY spill and came back killing it! And Chris Clift, holy freakin crap! Dude's on fire! Kevin Dilley in the 28+ Inter class has got to be one of THE fasted dudes out there! I need to bring a lasso to keep up with those guys! I think our class is a freakin BLAST!

And I'm CRAZY proud of my little 5 year-old. Those 5 & Under Inters are doing some battling! I just need to figure out how to get Lucas to control those little tantrums he has when he doesn't win....

I'm sure I'm missing some props, but that's what first popped into my skull...

Brent,
I raced six times this year and everytime I was chasing you and Kye....so I nominate you guys too.....Congrats to both on making Inter! Can't wait to get the chance to race you guys again....

Wayne
The dude in Blue!
#835

How about:

Travis Healey: went from almost retired, to making A Pro mains and UCI brackets.

Jack Kelly: he was probably on training wheels a few years ago, and is now a Grand's champ and NAG #1

John Alvey: Just started back about 18 month ago after an 18 year lay-off and is doing well in a fast and scary 20" class. He raced his first 2 cruiser races ever in a fast 36-40 cruiser class this weekend, and won both.

Robbie Patterson: I know this is about "most improved" and he started out REALLY fast at the beginning of the year, but improving from making national mains up to winning them (6-7 of them this year I think) is a really hard degree of improvement to make.

There's definitely some perspective involved with this sort of guestimation... for example, to have watched Jason Alvey this past year as someone coming into the sport what appears only a few months behind his reentry, I just assumed he'd been riding all of those 18 years that Justin said he was out of the sport. That's some serious WOW!

Ditto on Kye Tanner, too. Dude's got tree trunks for legs with massive output of power! One of the strongest starts--and made me REALLY focus on mine.

And great to have Jack Kelly and Travis Healey mentioned, too. And how about you, Justin, coming back from having your leg surgically put back together with an erector set...?


There are so many people who are such a blast to watch ride and ride with, no wonder Utah BMX is the best!

(PS, thanks Wayne--dude in blue... )

Let's not forget Ryan O'meara. This kid came from nowhere and has moved from a fast Novice to a faster inter.

Keep your eye on a 28+novice- Leonard Johnson. He's got the gift. He's been riding for a few months and already manualing and riding fast! He's been smoking the novice class since those other fast guys left! He's gonna make a great addition to the 28+inter class soon!

It was a blast racing Dave Park last time I raced! He's made a full comeback, and doing it old school!

Travis, Robbie, Christian Martinez, Jack, Wyatt, and all the 28+ guys...congrats on a great year of racing.

JS

I could make a case for Sam Buckmiller, Chantz Silver (his improvement in the last 60 days especially), Clancey Welsh, Colton Dale, Steve Spencer (come on pushing around and extra 20 spot takes some improvement )Ethan Alvey, Tyler Baker - and every novice turned inter and inter turned expert. There is just something about experts continuing to get better even after reaching the pinnacle short of professional that is uber impressive .

How about Rad Canyon for having some of the highest moto-counts in the country. Every volunteer, team manager, track supporter and financial donor.

And of course Mom and Pop for giving all of them a chance to experience it all.

Adam

I have to pile on with the fellas in the 28+ inter class, Chris Clift, Dave Cote, Kye Tanner, Anthony Christensen, Kevin Dilley, and Brent Barton These guys went from crazy potential crash at every obstacle to smooth fast riders. Now that this class has become the "Satchel class" it is one of the most entertaining classes out there ( short of the 60+ 6 and under riders we have).

Nice work fellas and be proud about brining the Fanny Pack back, the only difference is we make it look sexy!!

How about Braxton Yorgason, 13 Inter. This summer he was novice and now hes 2 or 3 wins away from Expert. That kid would have rocked at Grands. I'm excited to watch him race the X class.

Ryan Omera and Blake Lee are improving very well as Inters.

Myles Dunehew has made huge strides as an Inter. From early in the summer always taken 3rd to winning on a regular basis. 2 wins at the disney Nationals then turns 9 sunday and takes a 2nd. Hes allready got a win back home in the 9 I class.

Zach Haymond and Ethan Alvey are improving huge. Zach was looking awesome at Grands just barely on the bubble of making his mains. And don't forget Bennett making his mains this year at Grands was huge for him..

Cambri Morf 13 G just turned G at our Nationals and made her main the next day (Sunday). She has been mixing it up real well with Oblad, Edwards, and Shepard. Shes already got a few wins..Tiffany Willden is getting really fast too she chases Heather pretty good now.

Those are some of my Favorite riders to watch that have been improving. Of coarse then there is the bias my kid Wyatt and Alex Clift handing it to each other on a weekly basis. They have pushed each other to such a high level, they are both killing it right now.

I can't forget to mention the pride of the Prestige Racing Team our 5X Nag 1 Jack Kelly. This kid chases the 7 X's pretty good. He is simply amazing.

Scott

I know it sounds corny but I can't get over how much everything (and every racer) has improved.
The outdoor track layout forced us all to improve, or crash, or both (Thanks to all to built it, I think).
The racers have all gotten faster, the moto counts bigger and the track vollunteers have kept it all running smooth!
The transition from Novice to Inter class has shown me how much more I need to improve just to keep making mains!
I'm looking forward to all of the "improvements" to come in 2009...

Moat improved?
I would say that the whole 8 year old girls class has improved alot. That class is huuge! And its always fun to watch while I'm waiting for my moto.

I would also say that Cassidy Shephard has improved a ton! I notice her getting faster and faster every time we race each other.

Tiffany Willden has gotten really fast too. I used to be able to beat her but now she gets me by a long shot!

Britany Thomas has done really well too, she moved from novice to girls and she's making a good improvement.

I think all of the girls I race and the younger and older girls have made really good improvement.

Ditto for all of the info on the previous posts. It's been a great year for the girls cruiser class and something should probably be said about the amazing group of bmx moms who support their families at the track, their husbands, and race every week. Tana, Tara, Susan, Arlene, and Ann have worked their tails off... and every week they get faster and smoother. Come on, going from spectator with little or no bike experience to a racing bmx mom in a year? Those are some amazing ladies.