something I've never done; put on this contest. I was at X games and I asked James from Subaru if they would be into giving me a car if I put this event on. I was committed at that point to make this work.
Was it easy to make the decision to have it at your own warehouse instead of at an existing park somewhere else?
Yeah for sure, it's my warehouse where a lot of the top guys ride so I figured it would make for a very interesting contest.
Obviously it isn’t the easiest time to get sponsors involved but you seem to have pulled off an amazing purse and prize package, can you explain this a little?
We are definitely in a crunch right now and many companies feel it. I really appreciate the commitment from Subaru, Monster and DC shoes for supporting me with this contest. It makes me realize how lucky I am to present this to all the riders.
Is this a one-off deal or do you plan on making this an annual event?
Not to sound like a hard ass but I only want do this contest if I can make it as good or better every year. This year is awesome and I would like to keep it that way.
You obviously have attended tons of events over your career, what makes this one different?
The difference is this is in a warehouse rather than an arena. I want to bring back the old BS days with bigger rewards. I really miss the days when there were photographers all over the course chasing the next big trick. That's what I think that will make this one different.
What is something that you always wanted to do/have at a contest? and are you making sure this is happening at your event?
To be honest, I really never thought about throwing a contest until earlier this year. I was always focused on riding them. I guess on the flip side, I want to throw a contest I've always wanted. basically, a laid back jam with big prizes. We need more grass root contests back in the game and this is a great opportunity for me, the riders and everyone involved.
Is the medical staff taken care of?
Yes.
Is TV going to film at the King of the Animal House Jam?
Vital bmx and Ride have committed to cover it. Actually, Davie Coombs from Racer X is coming to cover it as well. I also have Will Stroud and Mark Eaton to film and put together a show that we can present to Fuel or MTV 2. Hopefully, that goes smooth and we can get some presents on mainstream tv during the off season.
People who have seen you ride at your warehouse always say that you’re unbeatable there. Are you going to ride yourself? I'm not going to ride and I'm glad because I invited 16 dudes from all around the world that are going to be killin it. I've never done this, so I'm taking this oppurtunity to make the best possible contest for the riders to enjoy.
A bunch of BMX freestyle legends have announced their presence. How stoked are you on that?
The list is just as deep as the riders, haha. Mike Dominquez, Brian Blyther, Dennis McCoy, Gary Pollak, Large Ray, Mark Eaton and Ron Wilkerson are all coming. I'm so stoked.
You can never cater to everyone, are you ready to handle the complaints?
Sure but this is a first time for all of us. It's about mutual respect and we're all in this together.
Picking 16 of the best riders around must not have been easy. Are you happy with the overall rider line-up?
I am. I wanted different styles to show to make this more exciting. There are so many different types of riders and I wanted to bring them under the same roof.
Is “having fun riding with friends” the main goal/reason for this event?
For sure, but there is a Subaru WRX up for grabs. U tell me. haha.
Can people show up and ride/watch the event?
It's not opened to the public. I want this warehouse filled with riders cheering for riders. We will bring to the public with Vital, Ride and tv.
Who do you think will be crowned the King at the end of the road?
We'll see. It's gonna be a good one for sure.
Dave Mirra is putting on a contest at his own warehouse in Greenville next weekend. This is big news in many ways. We caught up with Dave to see how he feels about putting on the event
What made you decide to hold your own event?
To be honest, I went out to California to film Fantasy Factory with Rob and I'll tell ya what. He is an amazing guy and he does great business. I really liked the way he is involved. So, I got motivated to
After doing a BMX 'zine for ten years (1987 - 1996) FATBMX made it on the internet. The year was 1998. Here to stay.