that I was going to give it a really good crack and looking at the points I knew that I would not be able to make any mistakes and would have to win almost every qualifying event to be in contention for the title. Winning the last five races across the country consecutively, I put myself in contention and into the title chase, leading by thirty points over Dominique Daniels coming into the Grand Nationals Final. Friday nights Race Of Champions event was won by Alise Post followed by Dominique Daniels second and myself third. Saturday was the big show with qualifying heats being run in the morning and then a break before the "Pro Spectaclar" main show Saturday night. After qualifying through the rounds, I was able to go home and have a nap before the late night finals. Grands is by far the most tiring and most fun race on the yearly calendar. With over 500 gates per motto (heat) it takes roughly 4 hours to run everyone through for one qualifying heat. Early morning starts, long breaks, lots of socializing, great racing and long days sums up the Grand Nationals. The battle all weekend was between current American #1 Pro Woman Dominique Daniels, USA National Champion Alise Post, Olympic Champion Mariana Pajon and myself.
Grands runs a three final format where the points accumulated from all three finals determines the overall winner. After the first two finals Dom Daniels and myself where both tied on 4 points. I knew all I had to do in that last final to win the title was beat Dom. I drew lane 7, an outside gate in the last final. I got out well with Alise, Dominique, Mariana and myself battling into the first turn. I was pushed up high with nowhere to go. I fought all the way to the last corner trying to get through the pack but knew Dom had beaten me by the last corner. The American #1 National Title is very prestigious, and also very hard to get, you not only have to be consistent all year long taking your ten best scores into the Grand Nationals final event, but you also have to perform at the Grand Nationals and it always comes down to a battle with double points up for grabs. Congratulations to Dominique Daniels on winning her fifth consecutive #1 American Girl Pro Title. I will be back next year!
Caroline Buchanan, xxxx
After doing a BMX 'zine for ten years (1987 - 1996) FATBMX made it on the internet. The year was 1998. Here to stay.