SARASOTA COUNTY - In 2024, Sarasota BMX will celebrate 50 years of offering a place to play, practice and race in Sarasota County and will welcome USA BMX’s Sunshine State Nationals.

Located at Sarasota County’s Youth Athletic Complex on the corner of Tuttle Ave. and 17th St. and established in 1974, the Sarasota track is the oldest continuously running BMX track in in the United States. To kick off celebration of this historic milestone, the track will host the Sunshine State Nationals – the first event of USA BMX’s 2024 National Race Series – Jan. 5 through Jan. 7, 2024. An estimated 1,500 riders from around the United States and Canada are expected to travel to Sarasota to compete in the three-day race weekend.

Having hosted countless state, regional and national competitions over the years, Sarasota BMX is known worldwide to national and international riders as a premier supercross track. In 2016, the track was renovated to include an eight meter start ramp and dual-purpose amateur and supercross track. This upgrade provided the County the ability to host major international BMX events such as the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) BMX World Cup in October of 2016. UCI is the international governing body for cycling.

In addition to major events, the track has made a name for itself as a top training location for professional riders preparing for major international competitions. Numerous national teams, including France, Colombia, and Canada, have traveled to the track prior to races such as UCI BMX World Cups and World Championships. Olympic medalist Mariana Pajon, from Colombia, has also trained at Sarasota BMX on multiple occasions.

Thousands have called Sarasota BMX home, and many have gone on to have careers as professional riders. A variety of volunteer-run grassroots programs assist with membership and provide residents the opportunity to see what BMX is all about, no matter their age or skill level.

“Sarasota BMX’s international recognition is a testament to the impact of a dedicated volunteer group, some of whom have contributed more than 50 years of service to the sport of BMX and Sarasota’s local youth,” said Nicole Rissler, director of Sarasota County Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources. “We are grateful for their decades of partnership as we celebrate this landmark anniversary and we look forward to many more years of celebration and partnership.”

Sarasota residents and visitors can witness some of the best amateur BMX racing during the Sunshine State Nationals beginning Jan. 5. 

Friday, Jan. 5, 2024 races will include the first of four U.S. qualifiers for the UCI BMX World Championships to be held at Rock Hill, SC in May. Sunday, Jan. 7, 2024 will feature UCI Elite class racing where eligible riders can gain rider and nations ranking points towards the 2024 Olympic qualifications.

Race viewing is free and open to the public, and a variety of food and merchandise vendors will also be onsite throughout the weekend. For additional information on the race, please visit SarasotaBMX.com.

For more information on Sarasota BMX or Sarasota County Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources, visit SarasotaCountyParks.com or dial 311.