The No.1 Amateur Battle for 2014

Filed under General on November 17, 2014 | Comment(s)

GRANDS BATTLE CHART: AMATEUR

Traditionally, the No.1 Cup has gone to the winner of 17-18x or 19-27x. We won't know until motos are posted whether last year's remarkable 105 rider-count in the 17-18x class will be matched, or surpassed. It's been proven time and time again that anything can, and will happen at The Grands - and with a mere 65 points difference between No.1 and No.20, this year looks to be one of the closest chases for the Cup, ever! 

Going into Tulsa, Las Vegas' Roman Jaworsky holds the point’s lead, after taking things over from early leader Andrew Townsend. In the entire Top 20, there are five 13x's in the hunt. Aram Schwinn, Hayden Robinson, Jesse Welch and Spencer Cole will all keep Radro on his toes - and if all five of these riders make the 13x main, it'll surely be one of the most intense mains of the 2014 Grands. Chances are, though - that no matter who wins 13x - we'll have to wait until the 17-18x and 19-27x mains to see who earns the Cup. Townsend's toughest comp will likely come from No.1 Am contenders Jacob Abbe and Sean Gaian, and a win in the final by any of those three could push them over the top - depending on turnout.

As if that main won't be exciting enough, the 19-27x class looks like it could be one of the most intense races of the entire weekend. All year long, at the previous 28 races, we've witnessed some crazy clashes between the top riders in this class. Kenny Gustafson and Tyler Whitfield have thrown plenty of elbows and put on some classic displays of smoothness in their battles this year. Trae Proctor could also be the deciding factor, as the previously retired amateur superstar has returned to BMX with a vengeance, and will definitely be a factor in the title chase as long as he makes the main event. But don't forget Bakersfield's Jordan Miranda, who will be in his finial race as an Amateur. Miranda has shown flashes of greatness throughout the year, and will have to bring his A-game to win the final - or let alone, make the main.

All in all, the chase for the 2014 National No.1 Amateur championship looks like it'll be one of the best we've ever seen, but then again, we say that every single year, and every single year it proves to be true.