GHP Factory News from ABA US Nationals

The GHP Factory Train rolled into Tulare, California looking to keep their momentum increasing on the national ABA circuit. Rick Lehman loaded up a few riders out of AZ and hit the road, meeting up with Greg Hill just north of LA. Arriving at the track they hooked up with the new team manager Matt Zitto. With Matt was the newly acquired riders from Reno, Tahoe, and the Truckee Kid, Michael (Mayhem) Larson.

Larson, along with the others, have trained hard and it shows. Larson made the a pro main event both days. Saturday he walked away with a 5th place finish. Sunday saw Mike better the finish to a 2nd.

Along with Mike GHP’s other A pro Justin ("Wike Out") Wike made the trip and the main on Sunday. He road hard and after a little bad luck in the pack pulled out a 7th place finish. No doubt Justin will continue his training and keep improving so keep your eyes on this one.

On the amateur side starting with the youngest boys Dakota Baca looked to cause fits for everyone else in the 11x and 11 cruiser classes. Saturday making his main in cruiser Dakota came away with a 5th place. Sunday he stepped it up a notch and made both mains finishing with a 5th in 11x and a 2nd in 11 cruiser.

Zach Zitto also ran both bikes this weekend making both mains on Saturday. An 8th in the ever increasing tough 12x class and a 5th in 12 cruiser class. Sunday saw Zach run into a little bad luck finishing the day with a 8th in 12 cruiser.

Robbie (The Real Deal) Patterson got a little inside training advise from Greg Hill and has been putting it to good use. Coming off a 16x win in South Carolina Robbie put the horse power down in cruiser winning both days, Sunday finishing 5th in 16x.

Out of Arizona Johnny (not so) Little ran class both days in the 28-35x. Saturday Johnny tangled with James Starks down the first straight with both riders going down. Johnny got up and rode the track out in front of James just to be marked down in 8th place. Sunday he dusted himself off finishing in 5th.

Donald (Dead Last) Fisher was looking to put up some needed points for the 31-35 cruiser NAG chase. Finishing 4th both days gave him just enough to jump from 7th back to 3rd.

With the addition of Matt Zitto this gave Rick the chance to think about racing and let Matt do the rest. Rick finished 8th both days in the tough 35-40 cruiser class. Sunday gave him a 5th in 36x

Jim (Hacksaw) Severt raced both his new GHP rides and made all 4 mains throughout the weekend. Saturday finishing 3rd in 36x and 5th 35-40 cruiser. Sunday he took another 5th in cruiser and a digger down the last straight in class. If you get a chance check out the latest BMX plus and you’ll get to see Jim’s kid on the center spread, also check out Jim’s new nick name Peppermint Patty.

The man himself Greg (Hasseloff) Hill raced cruiser Saturday putting down another win in 41-45. Sunday he spent the day leading the Hillage people in cheering on the rest of the team. (BMX Mania Editor's note.....Can you imagine showing up to race your cruiser class and realizing that you were racing an ABA Hall Of Famer and a guy whose nickname used to be BARBED WIRE! Yikes! - JL)

On the girl’s side. Alexis Ortiz ran in the 12 year old class. Saturday she rode away with a 7th place finish. Sunday she found her groove and moved up to a 4th.

Now, if you know of any rider who wants to know “how to get on a factory team” send them over to the GHP pits to see Alexis (Froggy) Lehman. Through hard work and dedication Alexis earned a spot on the GHP factory roster. Saturday she ran for her old team GHP/Octane making her mains and finishing with a 5th in girls and 6th in girls cruiser. That night she was presented with her new red and white factory jersey. This gave her a little added speed for Sunday racing to 4th in both classes.

A special shout out to Phillip Maxwell for hooking GHP up with our latest sponsor ODI grips. Look for all factory riders to keep their grip with ODI!

GOOD NEWS FROM THE USOC TRAINING CENTER IN CHULA VISTA
After his recent streak of podium finishes (including a win in Florida, a top-10 qualifying time in Australia, and podiums at the last two ABA Nationals), REDLINE’s BUBBA HARRIS was invited by USA Cycling to be a part time resident at the USOC Training Center in Chula vista, CA..

On Thursday, May 1^st, they had gathered up all of the top contenders for a mock-up “trial” race on this exact replica of the Beijing Olympic track – to work out any kinks for the real Olympic Trials race, which is set for Saturday, June 14^th. Along with Bubba, there was all but one possible Team USA hopefuls (since Texan Kyle Bennett has already qualified, he stayed home). Up on the gate would be Donny Robinson, Mike Day, Steven Cisar, David Herman, Danny Caluag, Tyler Brown and Nic Long – in a 5-race shootout (3 mains, 1 semi and 1 main).

First up, was Time Trials, and our boy Bubba and his ’08 Flight Pro XXL were 2^nd fastest, behind Time Trial King Mikey Day. Next up, came the 5 races – with 20 minute recovery time between each one.

The good news here is that BUBBA won 4 out of the 5 races; making some sweet moves in the first turn and proving to all that he is fully recovered from his August ’07 injury and ready to rock Beijing. With a performance like this, USAC shouldn’t have any doubts about giving Bubba an invite for the Trials race in June.  The winner from that event will get spot No.2 on Team USA, and the third member will be the “coaches pick” – determined from a staff of USA Cycling folks and the Olympic Committee. Let’s all hope that Bubba can repeat yesterday’s performance come June 14^th!

Next stop for our REDLINE heroes are the Denmark Supercross; on May 10^th – followed by the UCi Worlds in China on May 31^st. 
Without question, May is a VERY important month for USA Olympic BMX hopefuls.

OLYMPIC PREDICTIONS: THE WHO’S-WHO OF RACING

Do you know who to expect to see representing their countries at the ’08 Olympics? While many of the teams have yet to be picked (some of them waiting to make the call until after the UCi Worlds on May 31^st) – here is a sneak peak at who is in the running for the countries spots: OLYMPIC PREDICTIONS.COM . The site is compliments of PrymeGear team manager Carl Lein, who also rides a REDLINE. For the past year, Carl has been keeping a close eye on Olympic hopefuls and tracking their progress toward team selection.

As you can see, there are plenty of REDLINE Global Team members in contention for a ticket to Beijing on August 21^st.

SPEAKING OF THE GLOBAL TEAM: REDLINE NEWS FROM AROUND THE WORLD

Redline’s Global Team has been tearin’ up tracks all across the globe – at the last EURO CHAMP Series, UK’s SHANAZE READE hopped back on her Redline Pro XL bike for the first time since winning another World Championship at the Track Worlds (velodrome). Up against all of the fast French and Latvian ladies, Shanaze demonstrated that she’s still the one to beat in 2008. * Meanwhile, many, many miles away in Japan, MASA SAMPEI and his crew took on all comer at the All-Japan Nationals. Masa scored the win in Elite cruiser and remained on the podium with a 3^rd in AA-pro. Most of other RL~Japan riders took 2nds and 3rds. Across the water a ways down unda’ – the Australian Nationals were recently held and the Redline~Australia team was on fire. Of them all, 15 year old MELINDA McLEOD continued her winning streak and impressed everyone. At her current rate of skill and speed, she is Australia’s most likely candidates for 2012’s Olympic team. Redliner’s Saya Sakakibura, Rachelle Smith, Katie Van Zanden, Paul Throns and Karl Mustchin all brought home wins and Aussie National No.1 titles to the team.

Olympic BMX Predictions!

Yep, you heard us right.....Olympic BMX Predictions! Everyone's talking about it, but one guy has the guts to do some research and come up with an educated guess!

Carl Lein, long time BMX Addict, Team Starter and EVEN, Magazine Editor of his own BMX Magazine, has launched a feature to his www.FactoryBMX.com web site, called Global BMX, with a bit of BMX Olympic Conjecture.

According to Carl, "these predictions are based on current nation's rankings, not what I predict will be the final standings.....see notes about final predictions. I've received several emails about rider's positions or omission from my list. These are not the official lists and they will change over time. The individual governing bodies from each country will decide who goes"....obviously, not Carl, will make the decisions, but he's got some pretty good predictions for you to check out.

Aim your browser at www.factorybmx.com/globalbmx.htm and tell Carl that BMX Mania Sent Ya!

Intense/Phantom/On-Trac Dominates Freedom National 

Intense/Phantom/On-Trac’s NBL warriors made their way to Northern Virginia last weekend with the goal of extending their lead in their NBL Title Hunt.  The Woodbridge track is well known to be one of the finest BMX facilities on the East Coast including a well maintained and manicured track, incredibly reasonable prices for food and parking and even indoor plumbing.   Hey – the finer things in life matter!   To ensure the team’s comfort, our Charlotte-based Tesar family came in and set up camp and what a camp they put together – full on wrench facilities and a mobile kitchen with all our daily supply of vitamins, fruits and veggies! 

“Fly’n” Felicia Stancil and her road-warrior Dad drove in from Illinois to keep up her string of victories.  Felicia is soooooooooo strong.  She easily wins 12 Girls both days.  In Cruiser she owns 12 and Under on Saturday and on Sunday we thought it would be interesting when combined with 15-16 and 17-24 Girls Cruiser.  Not really.  Felicia just powers away from the pack and wins that combined class, too.  A monster on the track and off the track, a sweeter girl you’ll never meet.   

Texas-based grommet 8X “Vicious” Vaughn Herrick made the trip East as much to race as to see the Lincoln Memorial, Washington Monument and the White House all lit up at night.  Vaughn not only won a trophy as a world-class tourist, he took two 2nds in a combined 8 and 9 year old expert class.   

Cole Tesar had a great weekend, killing it in 11X and a combined 11/12 Cruiser.  Cole managed to find pedals where his comp couldn’t and he just rode away every lap, winning convincingly finishing the weekend with a fine double-double. 

In 14X, the rivalry between Rusty Nesvig and OFR’s Jordan Ryan is one that gets better and better with every meeting.  Sunday’s main was a prime example with Jordan winning the hole-shot, Rusty passing Jordan inside down the 2^nd straight, then Jordan finishes the job when Rusty goes wide in the last turn with a tremendous swoop to take the lead.  Rusty takes two 2nds to Jordan for the weekend.   

15X Connor Fields, fresh off a few days training on the Chula Vista Olympic track, flew coast-to-coast returning to Woodbridge for the first time in 6 years.  “The track seemed a lot bigger then”, he said with a big smile.  With Grandma and Grandpa on-hand to watch, the “Conman” has little trouble for the weekend, compiling another weekend of perfect racing taking 15X both days.   

Finally, “Quick” Nic Long does what he does.  He blasts out of the gate, pedals everywhere, uses every backside to the fullest and kills the comp.  Nic takes 17-18X easily both days and also wins the Sunday-only 17 and over Open for a little pocket money for use in New York where he joins teammates Connor, sister Kristen, Chris Blevins as well as Redline’s Anthony DeRosa and Brock Heffron in New York City at Rockefeller Center for NBC’s Today Show.   Look for the spot @ http://today.msnbc.msn.com/ . 

Intense/Phantom/On-Trac wins both days with scores of 92 and 90, adding a few more points to the year’s total.  The team remains in first place as we enter the Summer.  Chasing title in two sanctions is never easy, but it is made easier with great kids, great parents and great sponsors.  To watch your favorite Intense/Phantom/On-Trac rider, check out www.go211.com .   

Intense/Phantom/On-Trac’s sponsors include Intense BMX (www.intensebmx.com), On-Trac Garage Doors (www.ontracdoors.com), Phantom BMX Products, Fly Racing www.flyracingbmx.com, Bombshell (www.bombshellparts.com),  FSA (www.fullspeedahead.com), THE Products (www.the-industries.com), SINZ Racing (www.sinz-racing.com), Intense Tire Systems, (www.intensetires.com ), Group D (www.groupdmfg.com), and Scott goggles (www.scottusa.com).

U.S. OLYMPIC COMMITTEE ANNOUNCES U.S. OLYMPIC TEAM TRIALS TELEVISION SCHEDULE

For Immediate Release - April 24, 2008

Entire Trials Package Will Air on NBC, USA & MSNBC; Features Gymnastics, Track & Field & Swimming

Colorado Springs, Colo. - The United States Olympic Committee announced today the television broadcast schedule for the 2008 U.S. Olympic Team Trials and related Exhibition Games. The television package for the U.S. Olympic Team Trials features more than 46 hours of coverage for 14 sports on NBC and its family of networks.

"NBC is America's Olympic Network, and we are very proud to have the U.S. Olympic Team Trials featured in such a prominent way on NBC and its family of broadcast networks," said USOC Chief Executive Officer Jim Scherr. "For the next three months, the journeys of America's athletes will take center stage as they compete for the honor of representing our nation at the 2008 Olympic Games."

Below is a list of U.S. Olympic Team Trials that will be televised.

Sport/Event Airdate Time Network

U.S. Olympic Team Trials, Women's Marathon Sunday, April 27 Noon-1:00 pm ET MSNBC*

U.S. Olympic Team Trials, Women's Triathlon Sunday, May 4 Noon-1:00 pm ET MSNBC*

U.S. Olympic Team Trials, Canoe/Kayak (Slalom) Sunday, May 11 Noon-1:00 pm ET MSNBC*

U.S. Olympic Team Trials, Men's Triathlon Sunday, May 18 Noon-1:00 pm ET MSNBC*

U.S. Olympic Team Trials, Weightlifting Friday, May 25 Noon-1:00 pm ET MSNBC*

U.S. vs. Argentina Men's Volleyball Exhibition Sunday, June 1 Noon-1:00 pm ET MSNBC*

U.S. vs. China Softball Exhibition Game Sunday, June 8 Noon-2:00 pm ET MSNBC

U.S. vs. Croatia Men's Water Polo Exhibition Sunday, June 15 Noon-1:30 pm ET MSNBC*

U.S. Olympic Team Trials, Cycling (BMX) Sunday, June 15 Noon-1:30 pm ET MSNBC*

U.S. Olympic Team Trials, Diving Saturday, June 21 3:30-4:30 pm ET NBC

U.S. Olympic Team Trials, Men's Gymnastics Saturday, June 21 4:30-6:00 pm ET NBC

U.S. Olympic Team Trials, Women's Gymnastics Saturday, June 21 8:00-10:00 pm ET NBC

U.S. Olympic Team Trials, Wrestling Sunday, June 22 Noon-1:00 pm ET MSNBC*

U.S. Olympic Team Trials, Diving Sunday,June 22 3:00-4:00 pm ET NBC

U.S. Olympic Team Trials, Diving Sunday, June 22 4:00-5:00 pm ET NBC

U.S. Olympic Team Trials, Diving Sunday, June 22 5:00-6:00 pm ET NBC

U.S. Olympic Team Trials, Women's Gymnastics Sunday, June 22 7:00-9:00 pm ET NBC

U.S. Olympic Team Trials, Track & Field Saturday, June 28 12:00-1:00 am ET USA*

U.S. Olympic Team Trials, Track & Field Saturday, June 28 8:00-9:00 pm ET NBC

U.S. vs. Brazil Women's Volleyball Exhibition Sunday, June 29 Noon-1:00 pm ET MSNBC*

U.S. Olympic Team Trials, Track & Field Sunday, June 29 7:00-8:00 pm ET NBC

U.S. Olympic Team Trials, Swimming Sunday, June 29 8:00-9:00 pm ET NBC

U.S. Olympic Team Trials, Swimming Monday, June 30 8:00-9:00 pm ET USA

U.S. Olympic Team Trials, Track & Field Monday, June 30 11:00 pm-1:00 am ET USA*

U.S. Olympic Team Trials, Swimming Tuesday, July 1 8:00-9:00 pm ET USA

U.S. Olympic Team Trials, Swimming Wednesday, July 2 8:00-9:00 pm ET USA

U.S. Olympic Team Trials, Swimming Thursday, July 3 8:00-9:00 pm ET USA

U.S. Olympic Team Trials, Track & Field Thursday, July 3 11:00 pm-1:00 am ET USA*

U.S. Olympic Team Trials, Swimming Friday, July 4 8:00-9:00 pm ET USA

U.S. Olympic Team Trials, Track & Field Friday, July 4 11:00 pm-1:00 am ET USA*

U.S. Olympic Team Trials, Track & Field Saturday, July 5 5:00 -6:00 pm ET NBC

U.S. Olympic Team Trials, Swimming Saturday, July 5 8:00 -9:00 pm ET NBC

U.S. Olympic Team Trials, Gymnastics Sunday, July 6 Noon-1:00 pm ET MSNBC^

U.S. Olympic Team Trials, Track & Field Sunday, July 6 7:00 -9:00 pm ET NBC

U.S. Olympic Team Trials, Swimming Sunday, July 6 8:00 -9:00 pm ET NBC

U.S. vs. Australia Women's Water Polo Exhibition Sunday, July 13 Noon-1:00 pm ET MSNBC*

U.S. Olympic Team Trials, Boxing Sunday, July 20 Noon-1:00 pm ET MSNBC*

U.S. Olympic Team Trials Anthology Show Sunday, July 27 Noon-1:00 pm ET MSNBC*

^ Re-b