Clip from Central Sports features the first official Halfords NBMXA British BMX Championships in 1983 at the Derby Greyhound Stadium, with footage from some of the finals including Mark Cracknell, Chris Simmonds, Stu Diggens, Mark Watkins, Darren Bullock, Johnny McKinney, Dave Thomas, Nick Preece, Craig Strong, Andy Oldham, Brad Smith, Dave Dawson, Anthony Howells and more.
Video: Michael Watkins
britishbmxhalloffame.com
the imagination bmx bikes only came to Britain from America 3 years ago now this form of cycle racing is becoming the most popular activity for youngsters there was a carnival atmosphere at the Derby Stadium marching bands and a parade of the runners and riders also a large and knowledgeable crowd to watch the racing one of the treats for the fans was an exhibition by stunt rider Craig Strong known as the Wheelie King 18-year-old Craig perfected the art of trick riding was even ridden for 3 hours on one wheel the starting gate at a BMX race is no place for the faint-hearted as the competitors dice for an early lead the races were for boys and girls with every age group represented from 5 to 17 and over these speciallymade gold helmets were among the many trophies to be won the racing itself calls for qualities of speed strength and most of all courage but also balance deafness and a perfect understanding between rider and machine the actions fast and frantic with plenty of thrills and spills although few get hurt even in the most spectacular crashes this sport has now reached the big league in America with $10,000 prizes and some wanted teenage riders earning $100,000 a year well the British BMX boom is well and truly underway with his first national championships at Derby