USA BMX Grand Nationals Brings Riders From All Over the World To Tulsa

Riders have raced the national scene all year long for points and rankings, and it all comes down to the finale of the USA BMX national series in Tulsa.

Sunday is the last day of the annual BMX Grand National Pro Series Final.

“We’ve had 28 stops," said Just Wahl with USA BMX. "We’re here in Tulsa once again to crown some national champions but also some national age group champions and just have a great time in Tulsa."

Wahl says this event is known as the “Greatest Race on Earth" because it brings in more than 16,000 people from all over the world.

“About 49 states, probably 34 different countries, here in Tulsa, so it's a true global event right here in Oklahoma,” said Wahl.

Ava Corley from California has been racing since she was six.

 “Ever since I was little, the Grands was always the main trip of the year, Thanksgiving...our finale,” she said.

She's made the trip to Oklahoma several times.

“I think this year, I’ve probably been to Tulsa five or six times, including this one, so yeah, it's like a second home at this point,” she said.

Corley says preparing for the Grands is challenging, but it all paid off this year.

On Friday night, she won the NAG 5 challenge, where 25 of the fastest amateurs battled for a single spot at the top of the podium. After that win, Corley won't be an amateur for much longer

“I’ve officially won everything that an amateur can win so next year is definitely the next step to go pro,” she said.

She has even bigger goals for herself, like the 2028 Olympics.

“Everything that I’m doing is leading up to that, and that's the big goal for the career," she said.

For these riders, Tulsa is an important stop on the race to BMX stardom. 

If you're interested in trying BMX racing, USA BMX has many opportunities for beginners. To learn more, click here.