Cortez BMX saw a boom in attendance at its annual state race double on Saturday.
Other than a few minor glitches with the audio system, track operator Mark Baxter was delighted with the event and with the number of riders and spectators that congregated at the dirt track near Parque de Vida.
“We had some AV problems, but we got them back up and were able to get through it and I was thrilled,” said Baxter. “The turnout was spectacular.”
In fact, the turnout was nearly double that of last year’s race. Last year, the state-qualifying race featured 25 motos and 125 riders. This year, there were 51 motos and 217 riders.
Baxter said that Durango hosting a big race the following day may have contributed to some of the growth, but that he thinks most can be attributed to the increased interest in BMX across the western slope.
“This side of the mountain is really exploding with BMX,” he said. “We’ve got a big local community, Durango is growing and Grand Junction is really growing too. I just think BMX is on the rise statewide.”
The growth of the race wasn’t the only highlight. The event also raised over $200 for the Cortez BMX Scholarship Fund which helps pay for membership fees and gives riders eight free races at the track. Baxter said he expects the amount raised will cover scholarships for six local riders.
Saturday’s race was part of the state race series and can be used as one of the four necessary qualifying races for riders planning to compete in the state championship at Grand Valley BMX in Grand Junction, September 10-11.
Although it was the only state race at Cortez, the track will continue to host local races every Monday and every other Saturday through September 24.
“We’ll be working with these kids trying to get them better, faster, stronger all the way up to the state final,” said Baxter. “Then we’ll have a few more weeks after that just riding local and having fun.”
Local races feature open registration and interested riders are encouraged to show up and register prior to the races.
They can also learn more and view results from the state race by visiting CortezBMX.org.