October, 2005 – Madison, Wis. – BMX Race Team Mongoose/Hyundai rider John Purse has broken THREE big records: Longest AA-Pro Career; Most Wins in a Single Season; and the biggie: Most Mains in a Lifetime.
Purse’s pro career spans an incredible 16 years. Now qualified to race Vet-Pro (though he still races AA-Pro in the ABA and Elite Men in the NBL), his 25 wins in a single season tops the charts and now, as the first rider in BMX history to break the 300-Mains barrier, (now at a whopping 308), John Purse has earned his pages in the history books.
“These records came to light at the ABA Grands last year,â€? said Purse. “I knew I had most wins in a single season (a record he set in 1998), but these others crept up on me. I’m close to the most winning rider in BMX history: I’ve got 71 total wins now, and the record held by former GT rider Gary Ellis is at 77, so that’s the next goal.â€?
John began his racing career with his first race in 1981 with a second-place finish. He turned pro in 1990 at age 17 and is now in his 16th year as an AA-Pro.
“I never thought in a million years I’d be in this position now,â€? said Purse. “It’s incredible.â€?
Remember this day, for these are three records that all but ensure John Purse as bound for the ABA’s Hall of Fame and are likely to last a long time.
After doing a BMX 'zine for ten years (1987 - 1996) FATBMX made it on the internet. The year was 1998. Here to stay.