Gold Cup Finals Central - Springfield, MO

Filed under General on September 26, 2015 | Comment(s)

Its been quite a while since Springfield, Missouri has been the National focus of  BMX racing but this weekend that all changed with the Gold Cup Central Finals at Spokes BMX. This laid-back college town has grown exponentially since my first visit 20 years ago. Back then it was known as the headquarters for Bass Pro Shops. Where there was once farm fields there are now apartment complexes and shopping districts.

Spokes BMX is longer than your average track, thanks to a wide v shaped last turn that ends with a right-handed 90-degree bank. The last straightaway is a stark difference than most as it is a country mile long. All these things made for some spectacular racing and close finishes.

The DK Gold cup is in a transitional phase. While NAG ranked riders usually forgo the regional series, there are still a bunch of super fast up and comers. One of those kids was 13-year-old Nathan Davids. He’s definitely been on our radar since he was spotted skying into the first turn at Mid America Nationals back in the July issue of Pull. His perfect weekend was a great year-end primer for the Wisconsinite.

The 7-year-old Cruiser and Expert classifications also were won by a rising star. Branden Turpin has been on the move both nationally and regionally. Although not officially sponsored by Standard Bykes he definitely represents the cobra with pride across the country. Definitely keep your eye out for this little guy at the next race near you.

Don’t call it a comeback…The reemergence of 14X Grant Rice happened this weekend with wins on both bikes. It’s been a while since we’ve seen him out front but he certainly looked comfortable with a hard fought victory on Sunday.  

 11 Intermediate was chock full of contenders but Nebraska’s Kadyn Fleek came out on top in the end. We here he also races motocross. Braaaap! 12 Intermediate was just as competitive with 13 riders eligible for plates. Arkansas’ Caleb Strecker ran away with the #1 plate while Drake Doherty and Kavon Bent tied for the #2 plate. Drake won Sunday’s tiebreaker and took the deuce.

There is never a dull moment found in the hyper-ambitious 17-18X class. Missouri local Trey Miller played spoiler and won the class both days but didn’t race any qualifiers. That situation put Pickle Juice factory’s Cody Taylor in the drivers seat. After finishing 2^nd on Day 1, the ex football star knew he had to keep it consistent to secure the overall championship. Spokes local Ian Stock battled with Taylor come main event time on Day 2 with Stock actually edging out Taylor but consistency paid off for the Lorena, Texas local.

Carve alumni Noah Miguel made the 18-hour trek from El Paso and he came to win. He’s blazed from a main maker to the front of the pack with amazing expedience. We can’t wait to see him against the worlds best in Tulsa.

Springfield is definitely a cool place to visit. The USA BMX crew couldn’t get enough of Andy’s Frozen Custard and the fumes of the hot rods attending the Fall Street Machine Nationals.  The next time an event rolls into the Queen City of the Ozarks you’d be doing yourself a disservice if you weren’t in attendance.