NBL's 19th Annual Presidents Cup
Text and photos by Brett Rohlfing

It seems the trend in race coverage is to put up a bunch of pictures, and write a few quotes to go with them, then post the race results really small in the corner and call it a day. Doesn't tell you much about the race though, does it? No clue about the track setup, or general surrounding action that went on. That said, I will do my best to give a better feel of the entire race, not just the pro main………

For everyone that doesn't know, the President's Cup race is then the top 15 of each class from each state are invited to come to the race and represent their state. Each states winnings are totaled up, and the prize is money towards the state racing organization, first place is $3000, and going down from there. This is a 4 day affair, from Fridays practice day to Monday's national day.

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Night table- J&R's Brandon Clark throwing out some style during the night time pro practice

Friday was the practice day, and the racers saw the brand new St.Cloud track. The old track was entirely plowed, so no one had any sort of home track advantage; I believe the gate dropping speed was even changed. Some were pleased with the tracks lay out, others complained of its lack of flow, and varying lips, wet spots, and the asphalt berms disintegrating, though they were just recently made.

The opening ceremonies started about 20 minutes late, it seems organizing a few thousand people took longer than they expected. Once the state teams were ready, the Olympic music began to play, and Linda Dorsey began to announce the states as they entered the track, all dressed in their states jersey. The size of the states teams varied greatly, from Louisiana's 1 single person, to Florida's 746 person team. This was Puerto Rico's first time being in the President's Cup race, and they certainly were there to make a statement with a team strong in both number and skill. Ohio was the victor last year, and they entered with great pride, holding the cup high.

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But when Florida's team entered the track, the suspense was over. It was clear who would take the cup, as Florida outnumbered the other teams by hundreds. Though this is a battle of the states, many riders from Argentina and other non-U.S. locations (including one from the Netherlands and one from Bolivia) where present to do their best to take the open class wins, and enter in the racing the two following days, the "Christmas classic", which is a normal national set up, open to all.

After the teams cleared out, the pros took to the track for the usual pro warm up. Once the pros were done getting in some last minute laps, the race began. Elite open moto 1 had some people getting balled up; CJ McGuire was in the lead with Percy Owens in toe when CJ over-pulled for the roller, causing him to not be able to carry enough speed to the first in the pro section. In fact, not one pro made it through the "pro section" side of the decision maker. Second round CJ came back and made up for his first moto mistake, by taking the win. McGuire had to settle for 2nd come main time, because Profile Racing's "the O-show" Percy Owens took the win. 
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The pro women motos occurred without any unusual action. Michelle Cairns won the pro girls main, scoring another win for both Profile and the state of Florida.

Throughout the day, I observed a few things I feel are worth mentioning.

1. Horrid treatment of the parents of injured riders. I was able to witness one case in which the guy crashed, and didn't get up. The medics rush over to see what is wrong. This goes on for what has to be 10 minutes. After this time, they bring out the body board and strap him on. Clearly, this isn't a minor situation. The mother of the downed racer runs out onto the track. At this point the race is still stopped (so it isn't like she is running through races or causing any trouble). She is told "You aren't needed here" and was told by the announcer, Linda Dorsey to "leave". The mother, trying to fight back the tears as her son could be seriously injured responds "this is my only son! I'm not going to leave!" Linda coldly responds "Get over it". I found this to be disgusting. I would understand if it was a small pause, then the kid gets up, and starts to ride off and THEN the parent runs out, but once the race is stopped, and a sizable amount of time has elapsed, how could you possibly expect any decent parent NOT to see if their child is ok?

2."special treatment" of those that are in least need of it. During the practice day, there are certain times for "pro practice". The officials check the stickers you are given to show which group you are in, but often you will find the very well known amateurs in the pro practice, but if a unknown rider tries to enter they are rejected, even if they have a "professional" look.

Also, on Sunday, there was a practice for those who did not race the president's cup.
Who can be found atop the starting hill? The WINNER of a certain expert class, among other well knows. They made everyone go to the NBL trailer and check the files to see if you raced, and the people at the hill where being quite militant about checking for stickers….did they just "slip by"? Doubtful. These kids win their classes without much effort in most cases, if anyone needs more practice, its those struggling to make it out of their qualifying motos.

3. A certain 17x in the infield during main time being a complete goon. Laughing at kids falling and getting hurt, screaming at strangers as they went by. I found this behavior reprehensible, and hope that is the last time I see such an open display of ignorance from him. Ironically enough, he when on to wreck multiple times throughout the next 2 days, but I'm sure he wasn't laughing.

4. The concession was run amazingly smooth! the long time duo of "grumpy" Bill Magmer cooking food and Susan at the register and handing it out and kept the masses well fed from dawn to dusk. Susan ran the register all 4 days, rarely taking a well deserved 2 minute rest. The prices were also much lower than most concessions.
Fast, pleasant service and low prices, what a deal!

Overall, the race went on smoothly. Sunday and Monday were the Christmas Classic nationals. They had always been pro series races, but this year was not, because not everyone wants to race the day after Christmas. Despite this, "the Wildman" Todd Lyons and Nathan Berkheimer showed up. Berkheimer won both days Pro open main event with amazing speed and style. Some of the most beautiful nosedived whips came from him during practice, and the Wildman also contributed his fair share of style. On her first race with Profile Racing, Michelle Cairns won Pro girls both days of the Christmas classic, but not without some solid competition from Ashley Ross and Karine Chambonneau. 

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Martijn Scherpen, the15 year old from the Netherlands was possibly the most impressive racer of the event though, who showed he could have raced with the pros. At one point he messed up by over clearing the first pro jump (which some pros where struggling to clear at all), then rolled the next 2 slowly, and still had an entire berm lead on 2nd place. He perfected both class and open both days. Jason Bennett and Justin Joy were their normal selves showing that they should most likely be in pro instead of expert. 

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The Dan's Comp foreign squad did pose a threat to many of the usual winners though, and even took Jason Bennet by surprise on the last straight and took a photo finish win. In the cruiser class, Bennett almost was taken by the same move again, but this time held on to the lead and took the win. Amanda Geving tripled (winning class, cruiser, and open). She is an amazing talent, and she will certainly make a huge impact on the pro girls class once she is 16. There were many more very talented and special people I wish I had the room to acknowledge..

Thanks to "grumpy" Bill Magmer for getting me the pass to shoot on the track.

Random photos

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The track claimed 2 forks and one frame: 1 Gt mini frame (pictured), some expert carbon forks, and Chris Fernandez's Scythe forks.

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BG member Gray and blue T1 takes his cruiser over the pro section.

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Josh Meyers layin' it over.

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HBR's 16x Josh Phillips

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Many tried to take the "pro side" of the decision maker in hopes to make up time. Many times it ended up something like this.

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DK/Rite Bike's Adam Gonzalez cranks a past-clicked Xup during practice.

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If the racing wasn't enough entertainment, the wall climb and euro bungee was on hand to add to the fun.

If you have any questions, comments or suggestions, send me an email with the subject line "BG pres cup review". BGcomments@aol.com 

This was my first review, and the first time in a few months I had shot pictures. I did my best and with practice and possibly some of your suggestions I hope to improve. Thanks.