National track series tries grass roots approach

By Phillip Heckler

A new national track series aims to rally the best of the best – tracks and racers – for a chance to be named ATRA’s National Champion. The American Track Racing Association (ATRA) National Championship Series includes 11 events across the country.

The NCS will run points races for individual overall championships for men’s, women’s and team event, as well as best overall team. Championships will be awarded for each major track discipline, including; sprint, keirin, time trial, individual pursuit, points race scratch race, miss and out, and Madison (men only).

A nationally cohesive effort to create a strong track racing series has been difficult, said Jeff Hopkins, operating manager of the East Point Velodrome Association. “Most velodromes spend the bulk of their time coordinating their own programs.”

Hopkins hopes to start a program that could run for 10 to 15 years without large corporate sponsorship.

“This is a grass-roots effort,” he said. The series “should have long-term legs if we start it this way.”

ATRA has 13 member velodromes — there are about 11 other velodromes in the country that are not members.

Schedule of events

5/22 – 5/24 Superdrome; Frisco, Texas, Matix Cup

6/11 – 6/13 NSC Blaine; Blaine, Minn., Fixed Gear Classic

6/18 Valley Preferred; Trexlertown, Pa., Festival of Speed-US 10mile

7/09 – 7/10 Dick Lane; East Point, Ga., Outback Bikes “The Omnium”

7/16 – 7/18 Alpenrose; Portland, Ore., Alpenrose Velodrome Challenge

7/23 Valley Preferred; Trexlertown, Pa., Keirin Cup

7/31 Encino; Encino, Calif., Far West Championships

8/14 Alpenrose; Portland, Ore., Alpenrose Heartbreaker

8/21 – 8/22 Hellyer ; San Jose, Calif., CA State Championships

9/10 – 9/11 Dick Lane; East Point, Ga., Thomsen, LTD. “The Madison”

9/17 – 9/19 Superdrome; Frisco, Texas, Elite Nationals Qualifiler