It's amazing how the 2nd year of BMX has gone! Preston started off the season aiming only for District 1. Due to surrounding NC local tracks being closed for numerous of reasons Preston ventured out to other States in pursuits of getting a leg up on gaining a few points and practice action on the track.
As the season progressed Preston would decide to take a shot at a National event early since he hadn't raced but two Nationals the following year. Preston would start the National season off rocky, taking an L all 3-days at the Gator Nats in Cape Coral, Florida in his first National race since becoming an Expert. The deception of defeat lingered, but not for long. He would soon make a comeback slithering in like a thief in the night at the Circle City Nationals in Alabama gaining him the Nickname "The Issue" from a TO in Florida. Moving on to the Carolina National, racing at one of his favorite tracks, the Rockhill Supercross track in Rockhill, South Carolina. Preston would perform well that weekend again bringing home more hardware as well as qualifying for the 9 boys UCI Challenge making him eligible for Worlds. Soon after he would make an appearance on a whim at the Cajun Nationals in West Monroe, Louisiana showing off some impressive skills and talents none knew he had...moving through the track like a glitch as if an invisible force had guided him through, capturing the attention of many across the country. Preston would also receive his very first Opens Jacket sparking much excitement for him to seek more personal goals in BMX.
Preston would keep up his hard work at the Dixieland Nationals in Georgia bringing home hardware for the 2-day National. Fast forward to the Music City Nationals in Nashville, TN Preston would steal the weekend with a triumph, podiuming 1st place all three days. Moving progressively Preston ventured to the Stars and Stripes Nats in Pennsylvania repeating a clean sweep for the weekend and solidifying his 8 first place Nationals wins. In this transition he expressed the need for a change in gearing to assist with keeping up with his strength and power.
Following the National Circuit, Preston would age up mid-year and compete in the East Coast Nats in VA, and Derby City Nats in Kentucky demonstrating that he could still tussle and wrestle with the gang going round for round.
In Preston's down time from racing the National Circuit he would find the time and energy to race the qualifiers for North Carolina and Southeast Gold Cup to be eligible to race the final events. He would achieve for the 2nd year in a row the State 1 Championship title and for his 1st Year racing Gold Cup, 2nd Place.
At this point, Preston had been acclaimed in the Pull Magazine a few times for his gains as a 2nd year rider who had advanced to Expert Class within a year and making a name for himself. This also sparked a goal that Preston realized could possibly be pulled off in a short period of time. This goal happened to be the 20,000 club and he was sitting at a little over 10,000 points going into the Southeast Gold Cup Final. But he knew it would be rough attaining that status.
Realizing he had work to do to get into the 20,000 Club he would also notice that he was now sitting at NAG 3 status. This prompted Preston to stop for his last Nat before Grands at the Sunshine Nats in Florida to try to secure the NAG 3 standing moving forward into Grands. This National would prove to be one for the books. Preston would unleash the power within. Showing he had guts and drive as well as the desire and hungry to break through the pack. Although encountering some brutal competition along the way, once again he would make his presence known in the world of BMX and the BMX Community.
Last, but not least going into the Race of Champions and the Greatest Race on Earth Preston would enter Grands as a NAG 4, battling all 5 days to attempt to maintain his status. Preston would compete in 9-10 Opens and 9 Expert Class racing amongst 67 skilled riders for R.O.C and an equal number of skilled riders for Grands. Unfortunately, Preston would be met by some stiff competition encountering a crash, losing his chance at gaining a position for Mains in Grands. Fortunately, enough the crash didn't cost him much and he would snag the NAG 5 for the 9 Expert group and NAT 63 out of the Boys/Men category.
Overall, this year has been an amazing year and blast for Preston who just enjoys the fun of it all. Preston has gained many friends and followers near and far along the way that have given great advice. He looks forward to the 2022 season doing what he loves...riding his bike!
Oh and look for an update to find out if he made it into the 20,000 Club!