Chesapeake BMX track in Anne Arundel County will host the East Coast Nationals in 2024, 2026 and 2028
TULSA, Okla. – USA BMX today announced a multi-year contract with Visit Annapolis and Anne Arundel County that allows Chesapeake BMX in Severn, Md., to host the East Coast Nationals in 2024, 2026 and 2028.
For the 2024 season, USA BMX will hold 30 national racing events at sanctioned tracks across the country, commencing with the Sunshine State Nationals in Florida in January and concluding with the Grand Nationals in Oklahoma over Thanksgiving weekend.
Each national race draws hundreds or even thousands of BMX riders, fans and spectators to the area to take part in each exhilarating multi-day event, generating anywhere from several hundred thousand dollars to over $1 million to the local economy.
"We're grateful to USA BMX for awarding us a multi-year contract and we look forward to building our partnership with them," said Kristen Pironis, Executive Director of Visit Annapolis & Anne Arundel County. "By connecting our county's sports facilities with athletes and their families, we not only bring about economic impact to the region but also introduce our destination to those visiting from across the globe. Through this opportunity, we will welcome thousands of spectators and participants who will eat in local restaurants, stay in area hotels, visit shops and attractions, and make lasting memories at the track and in Anne Arundel County," she added.
The announcement is a significant win for Chesapeake BMX, which runs one of the top programs in the country and is ranked first in Maryland and second for the eastern region. The track is situated within Severn Danza Park and is a valuable component of the Anne Arundel County Recreation & Parks system, which comprises 140 parks and sanctuaries. The track previously hosted the East Coast Nationals in 2022, 2020, 2019, 2017, 2015 and 2014.
Chesapeake BMX track co-operator Tom Sinchak wants the track he has managed for the past 13 years "to be the East Coast Finals destination forever."
Since he and fellow track manager Charles Ellis have been running the track, it has been a top-two track regionally.
"There's no real secret," he says of his track's achievement. "We treat everyone like family. You come here, you're a part of it and everyone's your friend. When we've got new people coming in, they always tell us that they feel welcome. We try our best not to let anyone leave the track without trying."
BA Anderson, CEO of USA BMX, said he's grateful for the partnership with Visit Annapolis & Anne Arundel County and the Maryland Sports Commission to continue bringing such a renowned event to Maryland.
"These valuable partnerships are the reason why we can continue to bring world-class events to tracks in both rural and urban areas across the country," he said. "The folks at Visit Annapolis and Anne Arundel County and the Maryland Sports Commission are equally as committed to providing exciting events that draw not only locals but fans of the sport from across the nation."
The rising number of cycling events as well as various government and employer initiatives is driving demand and interest in bicycling programs everywhere—a trend that USA BMX sees as its 300+ tracks across the country continue to attract new members.
"Chesapeake BMX is a shining example of what happens when you provide an environment where everyone is welcome and everyone rides," Anderson said. "This is the track that everyone wants to be a part of because it has become a central part of the community. Tom and Charlie not only care for the track itself but care for each and every rider and family that is part of the Chesapeake BMX community. That's the recipe for success."
About USA BMX
Established as the American Bicycle Association in 1977 and headquartered in Tulsa, Oklahoma, ABA is the nation's largest cycling organization with more than 70,000 members with combined racing and freestyle events at more than 300 sanctioned BMX tracks across the United States and Canada. ABA empowers and elevates the early stages of bicycle development by creating opportunities through facility development, programs, and national events. As a result, ABA has developed a structured blueprint. A cyclist can progress from humble beginnings on a balance bike to becoming a BMX Olympian by establishing these roots.
Through STEAM, scholarships, freestyle amateur events, the national series, the Olympics and new facilities built across the United States, these four pillars under the USA BMX organization will impact young riders and families: USA BMX Foundation, USA BMX Freestyle, USA BMX Racing and ABA Ethos.
