Pics: Britney White • Story: Brian Fell

This past weekend took us to one of the best tracks in the state, Sarasota BMX. Sarasota has been around forever. I don’t know what year they opened, but I do remember making the drive over across Alligator Alley (when it was just a 2 lane road, mind you) to race in their annual King Neptune race. It was basically a one off race that had bigger than normal trophies, top level riders and a lot of hype. It was always a good time.

This race though was an NBL National. It’s kind of weird, but most of the people in Florida would rather spend their hard earned cash on racing a state qualifier versus a national. I would like to see more riders come out and race it, but that is a whole other issue... The race had 91 motos on Saturday and close to that on Sunday. Throw in the Southeast regional Championship on Saturday afternoon and you could get 3 good scores, as well as, wrap up the Regional Series all in one weekend. So, that’s what we did!

Raul Gomez had his hands full with Mike Powers on day one, but he got it together and reset himself to finish off the day strong with wins across the board, while taking home the regional title to boot! Sunday saw Gomez take home another two perfects to make the drive home a little better. Cory Watts came to Sarasota with an injured back, but still managed to get the job done in 19-25X with two national perfects and the regional title. Bryan Kipp was looking like his old self! He has been putting in the work and it is definitely showing. Bryan won every class he entered this weekend. Keep up the great work! Tucker Rice didn’t have his usual weekend, that’s ok though, he just moved up to 12X and it’s gonna take a little time to get situated. Tucker would still do good with a first and a second in cruiser and two thirds in class. He would also round out the regional series in the number three slot. Jeff Devido came out to the race to give it a go. He made the mains each day netting himself sixth place each time. Dean DeVido made the main on Sunday finishing eighth and Perry DeVido scored a couple of seventh’s and an eighth on Sunday as well.

Overall, the race was really good! Our tent spot was awesome, we samples a good amount of DNA Energy Drinks to the spectators. Everyone seemed to like it as much as we do! We also had some of the UGP designs on display at the UGP tent. It was pretty cold on Sunday morning, but it warmed up about half way through the second round enough to make it nice. Next stop the ABA Disney Cup in St. Cloud, Florida. It looks to be a good one, so try to make it out. Stop by the tent, check out the UGP display, grab some stickers and a DNA!