07/26/2025
I just want to take a moment and shed some light on a few incidents that have taken place at the track the last few weeks that is not necessarily unique to just our track. Its something tracks all over deal with but dont always get brought to the public light.
Approximately 3 weeks ago we had our ADA portable toilet vandalized. Someone had set it on fire and ripped the hand sanitizer off the wall. This was found on a Saturday morning before the race that afternoon and we made sure it got remedied before racing.You may have noticed now we are locking the toilets when we aren't there and this is why.
Two weeks ago we had someone cut 4 of our new tarps right down the middle from end to end completely ruining them. Luckily we had spares in the container but had we not, the storm that came in the day that we found them cut, would of wiped out the track and caused hours of work to repair. The cost to replace these tarps and dispose of them is going to be over $1000.
Today when I got to the track to untarp and prepare for beginners league it is evident someone had tried to break into our concessions container that is on loan from A1 Storage. Luckily no damage was done but we will be investing in additional locks and security for the track as a whole.
Now why do I bring this up? Well because I think its important to understand and share some of the costs and logistics that go into keeping this track in the best shape we can. We would all love to see major upgrades and projects going on but at the end of the day it takes money. We have many generous sponsors who have helped our humble little track grow to where it is now. From the concessions container to the fleet of loaner bikes and helmets to new fencing, a sand box/playground for the little ones, to new gate controls and lights, speakers and audio equipment. The list goes on and none of it would be possible without their help and of course all of you who patronize the track.
With that being said, this is why we try to do fundraisers through the year. We could setup a gofundme and ask for money to do such and such with but its not my style. I would rather have an event like Unsanctioned, where we can raise money for the track, expose others to the world of bmx racing and put some money into the accounts for future improvements while have a fun time with family and friends.
So I ask you, if you are available during the weekend of August 9th and 10th, think about signing up for a race or two at Unsanctioned. All the money thats collected, after paying for awards goes directly back to the track. We do not have any sanction fees for this event and its something that could greatly help our ability to continue to improve the facility.
We do our best here to give everyone great value for their money and are proud to be the only track we know of in the U.S. offering free practices all season long. We stepped up our efforts this year as well by cutting the cost of racing two bikes significantly. We do this because as a 501c3 non profit, we feel its important to give back to our community. So many people donate countless hours of their time to help coach league, work on the track, organize logistics behind the scenes and so many other things I cant even list. We are greatly appreciative of that, recognize that we couldn't do it without everyone's help and some of these things are a way for us as an organization to show our gratitude to all of you.
Now in saying that, the track is fine, are accounts and reserves are fine but to continue to improve upon the success we have had these past several years and keep growing, we will need to keep raising money and my hope is that it can be through fun events like Unsanctioned presented by Cedar Rapids BMX . So if you are coming out to race the State qualifier, think about sticking around for the weekend, enter a relay race with your kid or spouse or both, dust off that vintage bmx bike, get your mountain bike buddies off the trails for a day and bring them on out. We would love to have you and we will continue to do our best here to make every experience at the track memorable.
All my best- Dan
