BMX craze hits the race track

From : Sydney Morning HERALD, December 11th, 1981.


If you ever had
doubts that the BMX bike craze was catching on in Australia, a series of races during the next few days
will change your
mind.
More than 3000 boys and girls will take part in the races, called the World of Wheels International Challenge, which begins
at the Liverpool speedway tonight.
The riders, who come from almost every State, range from 4 to 17 years old.

Two American riders, Bart
McDaniel, aged 17, of Seattle. Washington, and Gary Haselhorst, aged 16, of Los Angeles will
compete also.
Another American.
Darrell Young, aged 16, of Portland. Oregon. broke his ankle during a practice
session soon after
arriving in Australia.

Bart said the competition in Australia was a lot better than be thought It would be.
“We have
seen pictures of the Australian tracks in magazines, but we didn’t think there would be so many of such high
standard,” he said.
The BMX races begin at the Metro-West track at Liverpool speedway and will be at Penrith tomorrow and Grantham
Reserve, Blacktown, on Sunday.
The three final events will be held next week at Liverpool. Newcastle and Port Maeqnarie.


Gary Haselhorst, (left), Chris James of Sydney, and Bart McDaniel during a practice session
at Liverpool speedway for
the BMX championships starting tonight.