However, nearly 160 track operators did switch to the USBA, effectively splitting the world of BMX racing three ways. While BMX Action’s deliberate boycott was damaging, it was not the only reason the ABA received reduced coverage in the BMX press, including in BMX Action’s biggest competitors BMX Plus! And Super BMX. Many ABA nationals coincided with important NBL nationals and considering there was an informal pro boycott of ABA nationals, other races were often scheduled on the same weekend as ABA events. The press followed, which led to a further decrease in coverage. The ABA changed the way it would decide its top pro for the 1984 season.
The amateur girls class champion Nikki Murray (unlike the NBL at this time, the ABA did not have a professional women’s division) and the Pro Cruiser number one Eric Rupe also received Honda Reflex motorcycles. The events were restricted to pros, eliminating the amateur and children classes, and invested heavily in television advertisements. Races were held on Friday nights and kept to two hours in length, which fit a television schedule and the attention span of an audience. The increased exposure of BMX was hoped to spark an upsurge of beginner classes at the local level. Greater revenue was obtained from entrance fees, making the ABA less dependent on participation on the local level.
Mennenga sent out press releases and faxes to the BMX press, track operators and bicycle manufactures allegedly hinting that they should boycott persons and organizations that participated in the Knott’s Berry race. Another financial drain was the Pro Spectacular concept, a revival of a similar experiment abandoned in 1980 after financial losses. At the time, BMX as a whole was not a mature enough sport for the concept to be a success.
Discussion of Vintage and Antique track, road-racing, fixed gear and 6-Day bicycles. Schwinn Stingrays, Krates, and other brands of huffy cruiser bike the hot-rod style bicycles built during the 1960’s and 1970’s. Instead it was the USBA that ended up being bought out by the ABA.
It has a throttle and pedal-assist to help power you through your commute. At a mere 46 pounds, it’s light enough to load into your car or even carry up a flight of stairs. Thumb controls on your handlebar and an easy-to-read digital display let you keep track of your speed, distance, and battery level.
Redline/Gold Cup races are a series of regional championship events that are held mostly for the benefit of the amateur racer with a No.1 plate on the line for the overall winner of the age and classification. It originally was a one-off Jag like Championship race on November 27, 1981, in which the competitors just had to come in the top 100 in their districts to compete. It became a six race qualifying series in 1982 held in conjunction with standard nationals. Like in its inaugural year, the Championships was held the day before the ABA Grand Nationals in Oklahoma as a pre race.
In 2002, the ABA attempted to purchase the NBL from USA Cycling after it was approached by officers of USA Cycling to sell the NBL but was turned down by the USA Cycling board. Despite the expensive second TV advertisements shown on the-popular programs like Magnum, P.I., Dynasty and Good Morning America, it was difficult to win over the public. The light attendance most likely did not justify the reputed $4000 in television advertising the ABA invested.