Erik Lundberg on his way to qualifying #1 in 09. Photo Bob Ozman
San Dimas, California- The IGSA U.S. National Championships begin today at Frank g Bonelli Park in San Dimas. A strong international field of downhill skateboarders have assembled to battle it out on the .6 mile (1km) race course at speeds approaching 50 mph. 2009 IGSA World Cup Series Champion and new World Speed record holder Mischo Erban from Canada leads the list of entries. Other notable racers include 2007 IGSA World Cup Series Champion Erik Lundberg from Sweden, 2009 IGSA Junior World Champion Evren Ozan from Laguna Beach and last years U.S. Nationals runner up finisher and defending National Champion Micah Green from Salt Lake City.
Andrew Chapman beats Micah Green to the line in 09'. Photo Bob Ozman
Last year Green was narrowly beaten to the line by Andrew Chapman from Vancouver, Canada. Since Green was the highest finishing American, he earned the U.S. National Champion title.
The Bonelli track always features a lot of action and close finishes. Seismic Corner has proven to be the riders great nemisis. It's a hard, ninety degree, off camber right hand corner with changing pavement and a less than ideal surface that is approached at full speed. The riders must ride the fine line of making the turn with the maximum exit speed of losing traction, sliding out and often tasting the straw bales that line the track.
Other featured classes of racing this weekend include Street Luge, Classic Luge, Downhill Inline skating and Gravity Bike. The action begins both days at 8:00am. Saturday's schedule will include open practice in the morning followed by timed qualifying in the afternoon. Suunday will feature elimination races the entire day with the finals expected around 3:00pm.
Manufacturers will be offering demos and selling their latest products. Frank G. Bonelli Park is located in San Dimas and is easily accessable by the 57, 10 and 210 freeways. Spectators should exit Via Verde / Raging Waters Drive from the 57 Freeway and follow the signs into Bonelli Park. Park admission is $8.00 per carload. Entry into the event is free.
The Bonelli track always features a lot of action and close finishes. Seismic Corner has proven to be the riders great nemisis. It's a hard, ninety degree, off camber right hand corner with changing pavement and a less than ideal surface that is approached at full speed. The riders must ride the fine line of making the turn with the maximum exit speed of losing traction, sliding out and often tasting the straw bales that line the track.
Other featured classes of racing this weekend include Street Luge, Classic Luge, Downhill Inline skating and Gravity Bike. The action begins both days at 8:00am. Saturday's schedule will include open practice in the morning followed by timed qualifying in the afternoon. Suunday will feature elimination races the entire day with the finals expected around 3:00pm.
Manufacturers will be offering demos and selling their latest products. Frank G. Bonelli Park is located in San Dimas and is easily accessable by the 57, 10 and 210 freeways. Spectators should exit Via Verde / Raging Waters Drive from the 57 Freeway and follow the signs into Bonelli Park. Park admission is $8.00 per carload. Entry into the event is free.
