http://www.courier-journal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2010309010022 http://www.courier-journal.com/fdcp/?

1283391792202

BMX Nationals are set to soar
into town
Derby City club at Sawyer Park is proud host
replacement with three plates and six screws,
broken arm and several concussions.
“It's all worth it,” Hoskins said during practice
recently at Sawyer.

By Derek Poore • dpoore@courier-journal.com •
September 1, 2010
Wes Pope and Frank Hoskins may not think or act
alike, but both are BMX riders at the top of their
game.
Hoskins, 26, of Louisville, is the track clown.
Pope, 22, of Clarksville, Ind., is trying to make a
living riding professionally.
He qualified in March at Dallas for the men's 25-
29 class at the UCI BMX World Championships
July 29-Aug. 1 in South Africa. He finished fourth.
It was the highest finish in that class by an
American.
“There's no feeling like saying I'm the world's No.
4,” said Hoskins, a welder. “It's an
accomplishment, winning, but I don't take it
seriously.”

Both will compete as stars in one of the largest
racing events in the country Saturday and Sunday
at the National Bicycle League BMX Grand
Nationals at E.P. “Tom” Sawyer State Park.
The event is easily the largest racing weekend of
the year for Derby City BMX. It draws thousands
of people to the park and pumps money into the
local economy while showcasing some of the top
riders in the nation.
It's like the Super Bowl of BMX racing, said
Kathleen Foreman, Derby City BMX president.
Foreman said 2,500 to 3,000 riders will compete.
Added Pope: “He's the clown on the circuit.”
Pope said he takes racing seriously. That's
because he's trying to make a living by riding in
dozens of races a year and earning the trust of
sponsors he hopes will earn more money as he
wins more races.
Pope grew up surrounded by bikes. At 8, he
began riding because his dad owned a bike shop. I
t was something the pair could do together,
Pope said.
During the past two years he decided to try

The event rides into Sawyer Park every Labor Day Advertisement
weekend, allowing the local talent to ride on the
same stage as the national stars. But some
riders are celebrities on both stages.

Hoskins and Pope, for example, call the Derby

City BMX track at Sawyer their home course.

Hoskins started riding bikes on trails when he

was 14. “I was a trail boss,” he said. Flying across
jumps was addicting. Soon he got so good people
suggested that he enter races.

His career has not been without bumps, bruises

and breaks. His injury list includes a broken
collarbone, ruptured spleen, cracked ribs, a knee

1 of 2 9/1/2010 8:43 PM
http://www.courier-journal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2010309010022 http://www.courier-journal.com/fdcp/?1283391792202

racing professionally.

He spends four to six hours a day training, and

he has trained at the U.S. Olympic BMX Training
Center in California.

“I've had tremendous support from my family and

girlfriend,” Pope said. “It's big to get the people
in your life to believe in your dream.”

He spends about 26 weekends a year competing

at events. But he loves working outdoors every
day.

“I've got a nice view in my ‘office,'” he said.

Reporter Derek Poore can be reached at

(502) 582-4286 .

Wes Pope will compete in the NBL Grand Nationals race Sept. 3-5
at Sawyer State Park. (By Derek Poore, The Courier-Journal) Advertisement

BMX Grand Nationals

When: Saturday and Sunday

Where: Derby City BMX, 3000 Freys Hill Road, at E.P.

“Tom” Sawyer State Park

More information: www.derbycity

bmx.org

An online gallery is at courier-

journal.com/highlands.

2 of 2 9/1/2010 8:43 PM