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     Rockford national - Man, where do you get started to cover this event and not take the space of a War and Peace type novel? The track is a mach five masterpiece with a secret formula cover on it that almost does away with any track maintenance needed and at the same time makes the track as fast as if it was paved. Jake and Candy are second to none as far as track operators and the facility is to match.
    Well, I won't beat around the bush with stories of some grom interrupting the Hyper team interview with a crazy run-through (really happened, watch the video from Roseville). I'll get right to the story that without a doubt overshadowed the whole weekend. That, of course, could only be the shattering defeat of Mark Melton in the "Rock, Paper, Scissors" tournament on Friday night.........OF COURSE I'm kidding. I'm talking about Mike Lundy's total domination of the A pro class. We're talking a perfect on the weekend, winning every single lap he was in. Even while unclipping in the first two races on Saturday Mike would get it back together and take the win. I can hear it now, "Home track advantage". At the pro level and the skill of riders that were at Rockford that just doesn't excuse the showing from Lundy. Fact is Mike was pulling down the first straight even from gate eight. The first straight requires power and pull. From then on the track heads into the technical areas. I don't think there's a person out there that's ever had a chance to watch Mike ride that doubts his technical skill.
    On Saturday Kovachi's Matt Beatty did give Mike a challenge. That's an interesting story in itself as Matt had told me he's only been riding for about the last three weeks after taking some time off. Looks like Matt is right back into the swing of things. Matt's also sporting a great Mohawk. Matt and Matt (Beatty and Hendershot) took a cool shot with a couple little Menehunes that were all 'hawked out as well.
Barry Nobles rounded out the A pro podium Saturday and was also looking super fast. It will be interesting to see what both Nobles and Beatty have for Lundy at upcoming races.
    Sunday would be more of the same as Mike continued his assault on the money class. Listed as living in "Scottsdale, AZ." but representing the Aussie crew was Jamie Gray. Jamie stepped it up and got the second place overall for his sponsor Haro. I've just given Josh Oie a new nickname of "Mr. Sunday" as he has gotten into the habit of not making the main on Saturday and then kickin' some ass on Sunday. Josh put it together Sunday for the third overall. I've figured out what that's all about though (in my mind at least). He's basically doing it as to not move to the AA ranks too quickly. Also, by making the podium on Sunday you leave with the memory of Josh making the pro main and doing well. I've got your system all figured out Josh - don't front! (Late Update: I just learned that Josh just received his Driver's License today (June 22nd). So, LOOK OUT all you Sac Town drivers - Josh will be pimpin' people on the on/off ramps for sure).
    Like in New Mexico last week, the girl pro class only had enough riders for one gate. That meant two of the three mains would be run during the motos. Well, I'll give ya one guess what that did for our video crew who normally sets up during the semis to shoot the mains. Just another good reason for all the pro classes to be separated from amateur competition (oh man, I'm digging myself in deeper aren't I?).
    Anyway, Redline's Kim Hayashi took enough time out from goofing around in the trailer with close friend Amanda Geving to get the work done on the track. In between practical jokes, etc. Kim put in a solid performance and took the overall wins both Saturday and Sunday. MCS's Amanda Geving put in consistent seconds right behind sole-mate Hayashi. Clayborn's Krystal Hime challenged the pair a few times but couldn't get out in front of the dynamic duo. Kim and Amanda have figured out that goofing around, talking and laughing on the gate actually helps them to settle down and concentrate on the race. Unfortunately, the seeming nonchalance actually upsets a few of their competitors. I'm guessing they both figure that's not really their problem though and continue to have fun at the races.
    Vet pro at Rockford is probably unmatched in attendance and importance to most of the riders. Rockford is known as the race all the "back in the day" crew shows their support and continued involvement in the sport. Last week in New Mexico Supercross rider Todd "TP" Parry told me how frustrating it was to keep coming in bridesmade. Main wins, excellent showings in the motos and a solid but unsatisfying second in the overall. This is one of the reasons Todd decided to not race on Friday night. He wanted to save his energy and concentrate fully on ridding that monkey from his back. His goal was finally accomplished on Saturday. Todd put it all together on one of the fastest tracks in the country and with a standout vet pro showing. It would definitely be no easy feat as Mitchell (Redman/Yamaha/Waverunner) had the definite ponies for the first straight and Carnes (Redline) is always vying for the lead. Even with the early lead by Mitchell, Parry found the line in the last corner and past for the win first vet pro main. Second main Parry would get the pop from the gate. Mitchell switched it into high gear but them blew a tire as his left foot unclipped. Carnes was breathing down Todd's neck on the last straight but these are vets. Parry cut off the line and took the second win. Mitchell again ran the first straight in the third and final main. However, Parry was just a man with a mission. In the last corner that mission was accomplished as Parry again took the lead and locked in the win with three first place finishes. Congratulations Todd!
    I'd also like to congratulate Eric "E-Dub" Elliot for a great vet pro showing in what is rumored to be his last race. Eric finished sixth overall right behind neighbor Mark Melton and in front of great riders David Wray and Domingos Lammoglia. I'm not sure but I'm thinking you just can't take the BMXer fully out of somebody with that much history in the sport. Especially with two awesome sons (Bailey and Payton) that will most likely get involved, I'm thinking we'll see Eric on the track sooner than later - at least I'm hoping.
    Sunday in vet pro TP just couldn't keep up the expenditure of energy and Jason Carnes took advantage. Jason won the overall with Darrin Mitchell in second and one of the legend's of the sport, Mongoose's Eric Rupe, rounding out the podium.
    Even with some of the main contenders in AA pro being at the UCI race in Switzerland I knew the racing would be great in AA. Revtec's Greg Romero made the last minute decision to make the trip to Rockford. Greg has been interesting to watch lately. He's been pulling off some dominating wins in motos but just hasn't seemed to match that in the mains. Avent/Fly's Donny Robinson seems to be renewed with energy and his first straights have to be the strongest pound for pound in the industry. Haro's Warwick Stevenson is a true champ but you never know whether you're going to get the "100%" Warwick or the "injured knee" Warwick. Matt Pohlkamp showed up with a new ride in Kuwa-freakin'-Hara. Can you believe that? I mean the last Kuwahara I saw was on the movie "ET". You know, the "ET Phone Home" movie (which my buddy's daughter Tory is deathly afraid of) - Crazy (and Awesome) to see them back in the industry. Then, there is of course crowd favorite Bubba Harris. I am just amazed how Bubba can keep up the riding (and winning) that he does for the whole season. He doesn't seem burnt out or tired in any way. He's always out on the track in pro practice yelling for the rider that doest the rhythm section the best and everything. Eternally youthful spirit and energy.
    Anyway, I told Matt (Hendershot) that I wanted Greg to win SO badly. Mainly because I think Larry Local / Nick Novice / etc. would be a GREAT interview. Greg's views and thoughts on the industry, other riders, etc. are totally intriguing and he has NO problem saying exactly what he feels. Matt might have even been able to finally get the original and infamous owner of BMXNEWS.COM out of him - who knows.
    First main Saturday it looked as if my wish would come true. Romero popped out of the gate and went side by side with Harris down the first straight. Romero had the inside on the paved first turn and railed to the front of Harris. Greg retained the lead through the relatively short second straight and even the third straight rhythm. Heading down the last straight Bubba started pulling but when he came along side Greg there might have been some contact throwing Bubba off his clips. Romero went on to the win.
    Second main Romero and Harris again went down the first straight in tandem. However, this time Harris would get one extra peddle in and take the lead. Romero remained in second though and with the earlier bobble in the first main Harris was a few points behind Romero's three total.
    The third main was crazy. Romero busted out but then shut down for some reason (later I found out he'd unclipped). He was at the back of the pack but Bubba wasn't in the front. There was still a chance. Warwick and Robinson had taken the first two spots and Bubba was in three. If Romero passed a couple riders he'd have what he needed for the overall. Greg did just that in the second corner. In the last turn they came out Stevenson, Robinson and Harris. Robinson boosted the triples after the roller coming out of the third straight - that was crazy. Harris looked back for a second and then proceeded to kick in the turbo. He passed Robinson and at the last available foot of track space passed Stevenson. That last incredible boost gave Harris the win and Romero had to settle for the second. Robinson got a strong third. So, no win for Greg but I think he definitely showed he's got what it takes to put one together in the future.
    Sunday Romero would again be the tease as he took the first main with Robinson and Bennett second and third. However, Bubba would again come back and do what is needed to take the overall win on Sunday. So, it was a Saturday/Sunday win by Redline's Bubba Harris. How long can a rider be as dominant as Harris has been in a class like AA pro? According to Bubba, as long as he wants.
    I'm going to start the amateur section out with an incredibly talented Menehunette. Vendetta's Fly "N" Felicia Stancil is nothing short of amazing. Her jumping and overall riding skills currently can't be touched in her class. She can be seen in her bright orange Vendetta uniform boostin' doubles boys years older won't try. Felicia scored a triple/triple in Rockford. Unfortunately we STILL couldn't get Felicia to do a "winner's" interview. She came so close on Saturday. Her father had her and her trophies all ready to go. Unfortunately the wait got to her and she decided she'd rather not do it. Well, I'm sure we'll see Felicia in the winners circle more in the near future so we'll keep plugging away at it.
    Another triple/triple was scored by Hyper's Alise Post. Alise had to battle with Phantom's Shelbi Long and Terra Nichols, Redman/Yamaha/Waverunner's Abigail Huvard, etc. so it was no easy feat. But, Alise loves doing those interviews with ISTV so much it was just the added incentive she needed.
    It was great seeing local talent Katie Shedivy take the wins in 17-27 girls and 17-20 girls cruiser both days for the double/double. Katie and family are pillars in the Illinois BMX community and have been actively involved for as long as I can remember. it's always great to see Katie ripping it up and to spend some time talking with Charlie in the pits.
    Another of my favorite girls from the area, Brittany Lounseburry, took the 16 expert class both Saturday and Sunday. It's great to see Brittany doing so well. She was a great support to me during my treatments last year.
    Jumpin' Jake Trevino has been on a roll lately since joining his new team of Phantom/On Trac. I was interested to see if Jake could continue his wins from the week before in New Mexico. Rockford is a whole 'nuther story and you have riders coming from all over the nation to hit up the centrally located national. Jake took the 14 expert class both days and switched up cruiser on Saturday for Open on Sunday getting kind of a multi-layered double/double. Congrat's Jake. Will the streak last through Desoto and on to World Cup in Ontario? Stay tuned.
    Joey  Bradford has been winning so much in both sanctions that my fingers basically type out his name from force of habit with every story I write. It's all good though since he hooks us up with some awesome X BALM Extreme Lip Protection and free hair cuts from some dude named "Xzavier". Anyway, Joey's really putting in some good showings for his sponsor Mongoose.
    Rockford is definitely 16 year old Warren McDow's type of track. Warren could let his power fully out and fly down the first straight. However, currently the 16 year old classes are saturated with power and talent. Warren had to share wins in 16 expert this weekend with Redman's Joey Berthiaume and Phantom/On Trac's Jay Greene. Add to the mains Nic Long, Travis Ohrazda, Kris Fox, Dustin Jacobs and more and you have intense racing all weekend.
    Big Ups to my buddies Moses Tilmon and Curt Zizzo for sharing wins Saturday and then Sunday respectively in the 31-35 Cruiser class. Moe rides for Supercross and has been a great friend for a long time. Curt rides for Torque Center and has also been a great friend as well as making some of the most classic faces is BMX while riding.
    Well, in effort to keep the story less novel-esque I'll finish the writing with the phenomenal racing of Spinners' Bob O'Gorman. Bob has obviously working hard and that is paying off. He consistently showed the 36-40 cruiser class the quick way around the track. He did the same in his 36 and Over expert class. He also won the coveted "30 and Over BS Stops" race on Friday night. Bob is working towards the cruiser title this year. All of this is surely in pre-requisite for what should be a great Vet Pro career. Bob is for sure one of the "good guys" of the sport and always has a smile and a great comment. He, along with his brother, also heads up one of the best groups of riders and families in the form of his Spinners/Redline team.
    Well, as I said in the beginning, I've purposely censored myself to keep this story short. I'm sure there's tons of great stories, races, inspirations, etc. that I've left out. However, that's one of the reasons to make sure to attend this epic race. Rockford is/was and always will be a SURE HIT on the schedule of every BMXer.