Freestyle Motocross


Friday - 7:30pm

The final weekend on the IFMA FMX Tour was held at the Mass Mutual Center in Springfield, Massachusetts. This was FMX sensation, Brody Wilson's, backyard, however, he would have alot of the FMX regulars gunning for that bullseye on his back! The qualifying began with Shawn Connors boasting an 89.7, which would keep him in the lead during the first seven qualifiers. But then, British Columbia's, Jeff Banks, raised the bar by throwing together three backflip variations and walked off the stage in first. Unfortunately, for Jeff, that did not last long, as the crowd went into a frenzy for the hometown hero, Brody Wilson. Wilson, not to disappoint, came out firing big with a backflip, followed by a Holy Rock Solid! His trick count was more than Banks, and he did more variations, which seemed to please the judges! Wilson was the top qualifier, followed by Banks, "Redneck" Connors, and "DC" Derek Cook also tricked his way into the main event. Derek Cook came out firing in the Main event, with a twisted up, Can Can variation, that he has yet to name, and a very smooth routine, with no SX airs, the judges would give him a 90.0. Next up, Shawn Connors, he came out in a three-piece suit, riding to, Sharp Dressed Man, by ZZ Top! The crowd went ballistic and the judges thought Connors, put on an excellent show and scored him a 91.5, so he had his turn on the US Air Force Hot Seat! "Super Dude", Jeff Banks would follow Connors, and not to be out done, Banks had five flips, including a one-hander, Nac Nac, no-footer, switch-up one-hander, and a no-footer, this was enough to give him a score of 92.6 and advance him into the lead! Wilson, aka "Gameboy", took center stage, and never looked back, as he had a flawless run which netted him a 93.4, and the Friday night Champ in Springfield! The Hell on Wheels BMX stunt team was in attendance and wowed the crowd with some excellent BMX riding, including a front flip by New Jersey resident, Auggie Simoncini. Moto Trials rider, Keith Whineland, of Colorado, won over the crowd with his mad balancing act! In addition, Keith was the US Air Force, "Above All" performer of the show, congrats Keith, you deserve it! Another event in the books and one more night left on the IFMA FMX Tour, get you tickets for tomorrow night! Mikey

Saturday - 7:30pm

The final IFMA FMX show took place in Springfield on Saturday this weekend, and the boys went out with a bang! All of the riders, put there best show together and saved it for this particular evening. This was Slade Waltman's final IFMA event, so it was bittersweet for alot of the crew, as he he been one of the most colorful characters in the sport. We wish Slade luck as he pursues a career in law enforcement ...unless it is one of us he is pulling over! The qualifiers went pretty much the same as Friday night, with Cook, Connors, Wilson and Banks making it into the main event, with the exception that Jeff Banks was the top qualifier. Shawn Connors was first up in the main and he did not disappoint putting on an aerial assault that earned him a score of 91.6, and put him in the US Air Force Hot Seat. Oklahoma's Derek Cook was next up, and although he had a very good run, it was not good enough to pry Connors from the Hot Seat (90.7). Hometown hero, Brody Wilson, who brought more than 40 people to the event via a chartered bus, put together one of the best runs I have seen all season! Brody had several combination tricks and a pair of backflips which he scored a 92.6 from the judges. Finally, it was Jeff Banks final shot of the season to take Brody off the top of the podium. Jeff gave a valiant effort, with six flip variations, but came up 1/10th of point short by scoring a 92.5. In addition to an awesome FMX show, the crowd enjoyed the Moto Trials exhibition from Keith Whineland and the Hell on Wheels BMX Stunt Team debuting their new X-Factor trick! A big shout out to the track crew...Kenny, Wolfie, Six, and Phil for all of their hard work this season! A very special thanks to our national sponsors including the US Air Force, Ogio, RacerX, and Torco Race Fuels! Also, thanks most importantly, to you the fans, who come out to the shows, read the stories, and make the the most enjoyable job that I have ever had!!! Thanks again, and have a terrific summer! Mike Young