It’s a new beginning for Summer X Games. After nearly a decade in Los Angeles, the biggest summer action sports event has relocated to Austin, Texas and expectations and excitement around the event couldn’t be higher. “Action sports are about reinvention and progression. New tricks, new lines; evolution and innovation. Those are the same guiding principles we live by at Oakley,” said Patrick McIlvain, Oakley VP Global Sports Marketing. “We have always stood behind X Games and the move to Austin should only enhance the amount of energy and excitement around the event. We couldn’t be more pleased to be apart of this newest iteration." In 1995, action sports were on the fringe. Skateboarding, BMX, FMX and the rest weren’t even in the “sport” conversation. A mostly grassroots event came together in Rhode Island (then called the Extreme Games) and that event evolved in to the international gathering that is now the X Games – which includes TV contracts, corporate sponsors and professional action sports athletes. It’s action sports in a whole new light.
With the move to Austin, X Games also has ramped up its BMX and motor presence at the event. Dennis Enarson will be competing in three disciplines in BMX (Park, Dirt and Street), while Austin local Chase Hawk will try to rev up the hometown crowd with a solid showing in Park.
In total, nearly two-dozen Oakley athletes will be on hand for the inaugural X Games gathering in Austin. Like so many before it, we expect this X Games will be one to remember.
After doing a BMX 'zine for ten years (1987 - 1996) FATBMX made it on the internet. The year was 1998. Here to stay.