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Throughout the three full days of racing, riders will be competing in several different title chases, with the ultimate goal being a No.1 plate to hang on their handlebars. Title chases occur in riders’ respective age classes, which are broken down into two bike categories, based on wheel sizes. The regular “Class” races take place on a traditional 20” wheeled BMX bicycle and is broken out by age groups beginning at 5 & under and going up through 41and over. It is additionally broken down by male and female in the amateur classes. The “Cruiser” classes start at ages 8 & under and go through 61 & over. This cruiser class is contested on bicycles with 24” or larger wheels and also has both male and female classes.

There are 19 amateur titles on the line in the boys cruiser classes and 12 titles in the girls cruiser classes. In addition, there are overall National No.1 titles on the line for both boys and girls. These four (4) titles are given to the National No.1 Amateur in the boys and girls class, as well as to the National No.1 Cruiser riders in boys and girls divisions.

With over 800 truckloads of dirt, a jumbotron, and bleachers being hauled in this week, the process has begun to convert the Quicktrip Center into a premier indoor BMX racing facility. The concrete floor of the center will be converted into a dirt floor with a large starting hill and a starting gate that holds eight racers. Bumps, jumps, and turns will be built between the start and the finish; completing a track that is approximately ¼ mile long. A “moto” (BMX Racing’s term used for a heat or race) is a sprint to the finish that occurs in less than 45 seconds. Participants will start arriving as early as Monday of next week and practice will begin on Thanksgiving Day. Competition kicks off Friday, and continues Saturday and Sunday. Practice on Thursday, Friday’s Race of Champions competition, along with Saturday and Sunday’s competition is open to spectators at no cost.

Points for a No.1 title are earned throughout the season at BMX national events held throughout the United States, Canada, and Puerto Rico. Riders accumulate points based on their finishes and also for each participant in their respective age class. While riders can compete in as many events as they choose, only their top six scores and their finish at Tulsa’s Grand National count towards their National ranking. Racing at the Grand National offers double the points of other national races, which means there is a lot on the line in Tulsa. When the main events for the ABA Grands begin on Sunday afternoon, it is one of the most exciting times for BMX racers and fans.

The only thing that may be more exciting than Sunday afternoon is Saturday night. On Saturday night, the very best professional racers from around the World will be competing in the 2 hour Pro Spectacular. Doors will open at 6:15 and racing starts at 7pm, as the top professional riders will compete for the coveted ABA No.1 Pro titles. With titles on the line in the AA Pro (Men), Womens Pro, and Veteran Pro classes, the racing on Saturday night will be the closest thing to actual Olympic-caliber BMX racing. In addition to the pro racing, the top 5 ranked male and female amateurs in the 15 & over classes will be on hand competing to entertain and show their skills. Tickets for the event are $10 and are available at the door or at the Quicktrip Center Box Office.

In the Pro divisions, the races for the No.1 title are tight and will most certainly come down to Saturday evening’s 3-race final. With 80 points being the difference between first and second through fourth and fifth, and 40 points separating places fifth and sixth as well as seventh and eighth, the Pro Spectacular finals will keep spectators on the edge of their seats. Every position counts as riders vying for National titles will have to ride smart and fast in the qualifying rounds and make their way through the quarter and semi finals to get to the main event. The main will consist of three rounds with riders tallying their finishes from each round to determine an overall winner. Consistency and speed will be the formula for these riders as they chase the coveted No.1 plate, silver cup, and over $25,000 in prize money.

This year, the Vet Pro class saw two longtime pro racers entering the ranks of Vet Pro (Vet Pro is for pro racers 33 and over). After battling it out all season, Matt Pohlkamp (United States) currently has an 81 point lead over former World Champion Javier Colombo (Argentina). With 80 points being the difference between first and second, Colombo must beat Pohlkamp by two places to take the title. Things are going to be interesting.

In the women’s Pro class, Dominique Daniels (Puerto Rico) will be competing for her fourth straight No.1 Pro title, and currently has a 57 point lead over Olympic hopeful Brooke Crain (United States). Crain is currently ranked No.1 in the World and knows what it takes to win. Will she be able to take the title away from Dom? With several other riders having claimed wins throughout the year, a first place for either of these riders is never assured. One bad start or a minor mistake during any of the three main events can cost a rider the title.

The AA pro class has been a who’s who in BMX racing all year long. Past ABA champions, Olympic medalist, and current and former World Champions have all raced the ABA National Series. For two riders it comes down to the final weekend of the year to decide who will be the ABA National #1 AA Pro. Ironically, it is a rematch of the title chase from 2010 between Sam Willoughby (Australia) and Marc Willers (New Zealand). The defending champion, Willoughby holds a 16 point lead over Willers which places them in a virtual tie for the lead. Last year the battle between these two riders was phenomenal and one can be sure that the 2011 Pro Spectacular will be no different.