Taryn Ashby
Crowds of spectators and competitors filed into the racetrack at High Spring BMX for the much-anticipated USABMX Southeast Region Gold Cup Championships this past weekend.
Food vendors, bike shops, merchandise pop-ups, and close to a hundred team tents packed the facility’s grounds.
The weekend marked High Springs’s first time hosting the regional finals.
“It has been incredible,” said High Springs BMX track operator Laura Pringle in an interview. “It’s been a bucket list item for us to bring this event here to North Central Florida. I get a little misty and emotional all weekend when I think about it because it’s been pretty cool to see how these people come and experience not only our track but also Alachua County.”
The event attracted 688 unique racers across Florida, Georgia, Alabama, Tennessee, North Carolina, and South Carolina to compete for the title. Competitors ranged from ages 2 to 65, and their skill sets went from beginner to elite-level professionals.
“The events went really well,” Pringle said. “We’ve had a ton of people. Everyone has a great time. The racing action has been amazing, so it’s been fantastic. Once the main event came around, the titles were on the line, and the drama was high. Each race decides titles, and so you get to see all different types of emotions.”
The races started on Friday and concluded Sunday afternoon.
Top racers in their respected age group and proficiency received a unique plate called the Gold Cup Plate, representing a top-three finish in the series.
Official results will be posted once they become available.
