July 21, 2022 at 8:05 a.m.
More than 200 riders expected this weekend at Hodag BMX
Four straight days of racing kicks off tonight
More than 200 riders expected this weekend at Hodag BMX
Hopefully, she got it all out of her system as the track prepares for its biggest weekend of racing for the summer.
Four straight days of racing kicks off this evening at the facility located inside Rhinelander's West Side Park. The quadrupleheader is highlighted by the Badger State Games race tomorrow afternoon and the final round of the Wisconsin State Qualifying series on Sunday.
"If you're into racing, into sports, into cycling, come down because you'll see some of the best of the best," Hodag BMX track operator Robbie Deede said.
Deede said he expects the weekend to attract in excess of 200 riders to the track, more than triple the club's typical rider count - which has been robust in the two years since the 2020 season was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
On the club's standard single points nights, like what will take place tonight and this coming Monday, Deede said the club has been attracting 65-70 riders a night. Those riders mainly come from Rhinelander and surrounding communities. Deede said that's the best participation he's seen in his decade of running the facility and it comes at a time when other facilities have struggled to reopen following the pandemic.
"We've had really, really great participation and the vibe is just really good. It's something we've been working on for years," he said. "We're trying to create a welcoming atmosphere. We have such a unique thing going on at our track with regard to the volunteers and having a track that's open to the public for kids to ride and a place that's really going to create some great memories for kids for years to come."
Deede said he expects the count for tonight's races to be up a bit as riders from around the state make their way into town. It is also the track's rider appreciation night, and the entry fee will be waived for the evening.
Saturday's event serves two purposes. First it's the track's Race For Life, an initiative from national sanctioning body USABMX that raises funds for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. Second, it serves as the official BMX competition of the Badger State Games as riders will race for a coveted Badger State medal.
"The cool thing about that particular race is you don't need a membership to race. You can sign up just the one day to race that race, if you want to try it out or if you want to participate in Badger State Games," Deede said. "It's a cool partnership we've had, both with the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, USABMX and the Badger State Games over the last several years, something very unique that we offer."
Sunday's race figures to be the biggest of the weekend, as the final of four Wisconsin State Qualifier races ahead of the state championship races that will be held Aug. 28 at Winnebagoland BMX in Oshkosh. A rider's best three performances from the qualifying series, plus his or her performance at the state championship determines the state champions for the year.
"Having a state champion plate is coveted in our state. It's definitely one of those awards and prizes that kids really want. It's highly sought after. Kids want to say they're the fastest," Deede said. "It's the kids' last best chance to improve their scores before they head into the state final. We'll see riders from all over the Midwest. We're anticipating seeing riders from Illinois, Michigan, Minnesota, Wisconsin."
Hodag BMX riders are faring well in the state standings heading into this weekend's races. Several track regulars are inside the top three of their respective age and skill classes. That includes points leaders Jackson Wergin (10 Expert & 10 Cruiser), Trevor Martin (12 Novice/Intermediate), James Wergin (12 Cruiser), Jayce Wergin (13 Girls' Expert), Noah Spicer (14 Novice/Intermediate) and Alex Matushak (16 Cruiser).
"The talent level that our kids have is absolutely amazing," Deede said. "We have kids that are really good shape, kids that are becoming very impressive in their own right in their skills on bikes. When a kid's in the gate with a Hodag BMX track rider, they know they've got their work cut out for them, because those kids go hard, they go fast and they're very skilled and talented."
In addition to state qualifying, some of the top riders across several classes will compete in a Pro-Am money open for males and females age 13 and over. The event is sponsored by T&M Towing and Dina Mia Pizza of Rhinelander and features a guaranteed $1,000 purse - which will only grow larger based on the number of entries.
Deede said offering some prize money in the event serves two purposes - to reward those who have dedicated countless hours to perfecting their craft and to serve as inspiration to the younger riders in attendance.
"It only helps grow the sport where it's like, 'I want to be in that race and I want to win that race someday, and be one of the fastest in the Midwest,'" he said. "That's really what we're looking for. We're looking to have some great entertainment, have some great races and kept that vibe and passion going for the little kids coming up."
Spectators are welcome and encouraged to come down and check out the racing action. Admission is free and concessions are available on-site. Racing tonight and Monday will begin shortly after 7 p.m., with racing Saturday and Sunday starting just after noon.
"It's really a great spectator sport and one of the best free forms of entertainment in our community. If someone's into racing, they really should get down there and check this out," Deede said.
The track will have a night off next Friday night, but will each Monday and Friday night from the start of August through Labor Day weekend. Friday night racing will then continue through the end of October.
More information can be found on the track's website, www.HodagBMX.com.
Jeremy Mayo may be reached at [email protected].
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