2016 USA BMX Gator Nationals kicks off today in Oldsmar

The 2016 USA BMX Gator Nationals Supercross Series runs from Friday, Feb. 19, thru Sunday, Feb. 21 at the Oldsmar BMX Supercross track at 3120 Tampa Road.

The 2016 USA BMX Gator Nationals Supercross Series takes place at Oldsmar's BMX Supercross track on Tampa Road this weekend.

The 2016 USA BMX Gator Nationals Supercross Series takes place at Oldsmar’s BMX Supercross track on Tampa Road this weekend.

While Oldsmar officials ponder the possibility of bringing a major league baseball team to the city, fans of BMX racing will get to attend a world class sporting event this weekend, as the 2016 USA BMX Gator Nationals North American Supercross Series takes place at the newly renovated Oldsmar BMX Supercross track on Tampa Road.

More than a thousand riders from dozens of countries will invade the area for the three-day event, which starts today at 2:00 pm and runs all the way through Sunday afternoon.

And thanks to the Canal Park track’s Olympic-qualifying-level 26-foot high main hill, the race will serve to help riders qualify for the upcoming Summer Olympic Games in Rio.

Oldsmar Mayor Doug Bevis (l) tests his interview skills on USA BMX president John David on Gator Nationals media day.

Oldsmar Mayor Doug Bevis (L) tests his interview skills on USA BMX president John David on Gator Nationals media day.

“It’s so exciting, because when you come out this weekend, you’re going to see three-quarters of the rider that are going to be in the gates in Rio,” USA BMX Chief Operating Officer John David told Oldsmar Connect during media day on Thursday.

“I mean we’ve get the best in the world (here),” he added. “You’re not going to see any races on the circuit outside of the World Championships that will have this type of talent.”

That kind of high-level participation at one event is rare for any sport, and it shows just how vital the Oldsmar course has become to the sport since the grand unveiling of $2 million worth of renovations prior to the 2015 Gator Nationals in October.

And thanks to some recent tweaks to the course, the facility couldn’t be in better shape, according to David.

“We couldn’t be more pleased with the improvements that took place,” he said.

“Any time you do a brand new venue, the dirt’s fresh, the sod’s fresh. The city and team out here has done a phenomenal job of getting the track a little more technical, little more challenging. The best riders in the world are over there saying, oh my god, look how much better it looks than October.”

Oldsmar's BMX Supercross track has undergone some tweaking since a $2 million renovation project was completed last fall.

Oldsmar’s BMX Supercross track has undergone some tweaking since a $2 million renovation project was completed last fall.

The 2016 Gator Nationals event kicks off on Friday afternoon, with practice runs and racing taking place throughout the weekend.

On Friday, races start at 2:30 p.m., with the mains set for around 8:30 p.m.; on Saturday, motos begin at 12:30 p.m., with the mains set to begin at around 6:3o; on Sunday, motos begin at 8:00 a.m., with the main race scheduled for somewhere between 1:00-2:00 p.m. Also on Sunday, the USA Cycling Elite National Championship race will take place.

Professional riders, like TEAM USA member Alise Post, test out the Oldsmar track on the eve of the 2016 Gator Nationals.

Professional riders, like TEAM USA member Alise Post, test out the Oldsmar track on the eve of the 2016 Gator Nationals.

Admission to the races is free, but there is a charge for parking. Concessions, merchandise and other amenities will be available on site.

Here’s more information you need to know if you go to the 2016 USA BMX Gator Nationals. Look for a full recap of the event on Oldsmar Connect next week.

If You Go:

  • What: 2016 USA BMX Gator Nationals Supercross Series
  • When: Fri, Feb. 19-Sun, Feb. 21, 2016
  • Where: Oldsmar BMX Supercross Track, 3120 Tampa Road (Canal Park)
  • Details: More than a thousand BMX riders from all over the world, including former Olympic gold medalists and future Olympic hopefuls, will compete in daily races and practice runs at Oldsmar’s new Supercross track. The USA Cycling Elite Championship race is set for Sunday at 8:00 a.m. Other highlights include live entertainment, food and beverage sales, a merchandise row and more.
  • Cost: Admission is free; parking is $10/day, $25/weekend and $40/RV weekend pass
  • Info: USABMX.com; Oldsmarbmx.org; 727-786-7433

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