BMX state-qualifier race will be in East Moline this weekend

Hundreds of BMX bike riders and fans are expected to attend the USA BMX Illinois State Qualifier event going on Friday through Sunday, Aug. 11-13, at the East Moline BMX Speedway, 1930 Avenue of the Cities, East Moline.

The racing events are open to the public and admission is free.

Officials said some 400 riders — ranging in age from younger than 5 years to over 70 — from mainly Illinois and Iowa are expected for the USA BMX-sanctioned races this weekend.

These qualifying races have been held at different tracks throughout Illinois, and this weekend is the last one before the championship in mid-September.

The weekend schedule includes:

• Friday: Double points race, 5:30-7 p.m. registration, 7 p.m. races. 
• Saturday: Single points race, 5:30-7 p.m. registration, 7 p.m. races. 
• Sunday: Illinois State Qualifier Double Points Race, 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m. registration, 12:30 p.m. races. 

The East Moline BMX Speedway also will host the USA BMX Gold Cup Championship for the North Central region Oct. 6-8, so Race Director Paul DePauw anticipates that riders from other Midwest states will come to town this weekend for some time on the track.