Fort White resident McKenzie Gayheart will be competing in the USA BMX Grand Nationals on Nov. 25-26 in Tulsa, Oklahoma.
Gayheart, currently ranked No. 5 in the world among professional women’s BMX racers, will join four other women’s racers in what BMX affectionately calls the “Greatest Race on Earth.” It is the final event for the Thanksgiving holiday week that will also feature professional and amateur racers from around the world.
The top four racers are Alise Willoughby (Chula Vista, California), Felicia Stancil (Palm Harbor, Florida), Payton Ridenour (Tulsa) and Daleny Vaughn (Tucson, Arizona).
The competition will be held at the Sage Center at 4145 E 21st St. in Tulsa, the Grand Nationals will be the final event for the Thanksgiving holiday week that will be jam-packed with heart-pumping races and events drawing hundreds of professional and amateur racers from all over the world as they vie for one of seven number-one championship titles up for grabs.
“Thanksgiving is all about being with family and giving thanks for all the blessings in our lives,” said BA Anderson, CEO of USA BMX, in a press release. “That same sentiment is true for this BMX community, which is our extended family. What better way to celebrate this day than by being with our BMX family from all over the world watching the best in the world compete in the most thrilling, exhilarating environment? We are so grateful for this community that has chosen to celebrate Thanksgiving together every year.”
The schedule for the Race of Champions and Grand Nationals is below. You can find the full schedule of events here.
Thursday, Nov. 23
8 a.m., Race of Champions – Day 1
Friday, Nov. 24
8 a.m., Race of Champions – Day 2
Saturday, Nov. 25
8 a.m., USA BMX Grand Nationals – Day 1
Sunday, Nov. 26
8 a.m., USA BMX Grand Nationals – Day 2