High Springs BMX will host its first-ever regional finals for the USABMX DK Gold Cup Southeast Championship Series this weekend.
Over 700 riders across Florida, Georgia, Alabama, Tennessee, North Carolina, and South Carolina will compete for the title. Competitors range from beginners to elite-level professional boys and girls racers from ages 2 to 65.
“Each rider has gotten at least two qualification races this season, and they bring those points with them this weekend,” said High Springs BMX track operator Laura Pringle in a phone interview. “For a rider’s total score, points from the season and this weekend are added together. Then the top three finishers from each major proficiency will be awarded a special plate called the Gold Cup Plate to represent a top three standing in this series.”
Races begin Saturday at 10:30 a.m. with the balance bike series. These races feature children as young as 18 months and as old as 5.
The professional athletes and amateur races follow the balance bike series.
The course consists of a 10-foot starting hill, jumps as high as 8 feet and as long as 34 feet, and tricky steep bank turns.
After two heats, the top finishers in their age and proficiency move on to the qualifying round. For the semifinals, racers only have one lap to finish in the top four to make the main event.
The main events begin at 3 p.m. on Saturday, while Sunday’s events start at 8 a.m.
“It’s exhilarating,” Pringle said. “The points going into the event are super close, and in all the other series, you need many more scores before you get to the championship. The event is high pressure because it’s literally just these two days to determine who gets to the top three rankings. It’s going to be fun to watch.”
Spectators can look forward to hours of racing, shade tents, bike shop vendors, food and drink vendors, and an authentic festive atmosphere.
Parking is $10 per day and $25 for the weekend. Admission for spectators is free.
Visit the High Springs BMX website for more information on racing BMX and the Gold Cup Southeast Championship Series.