1980 ABA BMX Racing Midwest Nationals in Elkhart, Indiana

Here is the entire video shot by John Kiernan of this race. It's 61 minutes long and includes all main events, trophy dashes, some of the semi mains, some motos and some great crowd shots, infield officials and shots of Bob and Windy Osborn of BMX Action Magazine.
My friend Scott Towne reached out to let me know John Kiernan had passed away. John was the voice of Bud’s BMX Track in Elkhart, Indiana and a longtime friend of many Midwestern BMX racers, most notably Scott who stayed in contact with him. Bud’s BMX was one of the premiere BMX racetracks in the USA and the weekend home to hundreds of kids and teenagers like me who lived and breathed BMX racing. It was also known to riders who hit the national race circuit every summer, especially those who set their sights on winning a big trophy in the amateur races or big money in the Professional division. And John Kiernan was at the heart of Bud’s BMX. John also dabbled in video production and it was his 1980’s era video camera combined with the 1980 ABA Midwest Nationals at Bud’s BMX that formed the perfect storm. The legendary story was born. John videotaped most of the race including all the main events. He was featured in BMX Action magazine by editor publisher Bob Osborn. If you were in BMX Action magazine in the 1980’s it was instant credibility. Everyone in worldwide BMX circles would know your story! The mere fact that John videotaped the race was remarkable, but it was his recording of the Pro main event that went down as one of the most talked about stories in BMX. Setting the stage for the Pro main event. After the qualifying rounds, seven riders made their way to the gate. Brent Patterson, Jeff Ruminer, Leo Green, Stu Thomsen, Tim Lillethorup, Kevin McNeal and Greg Hill. The race for National number one Pro was heating up and these were the top contenders (except me, more on that in a bit). Kevin McNeal had been earning a bit of a bad reputation that season for taking out riders, diving low in turns and blasting his way past riders with a good, strong elbow bump. Many of the BMX folks thought it was just the way you raced. It was a bit of a contact sport at the time and if you didn’t deliberately T-Bone someone in a turn, it was all part of racing. ABA owner and announcer Merle Mennega saw it differently. He was fed up with Kevin racing this way. It had happened several times at earlier events. Watch the race. Pay close attention to what happens between Kevin and Brent in turn #2. What do you think? Clean move? Just racing? Or, was Merle correct in disqualifying Kevin and issuing a several race suspension? This video means even more to me on a personal level. I had classified as a Pro BMX racer at age 16 in 1978 and had won many local and regional races. This race was one of my first shots to perform on a bigger stage. I can remember making this main event by one or two points and beating some top named, factory sponsored riders. Once I lined up in the gate the nerves really kicked in. I kept thinking it was taking too long to drop the gate. I was ready long before the cool, calm, collected factory riders. When the gate dropped, I left a split second too late. I was in the back of the back fighting my way to turn #2. When Kevin bumped Brent, I dove on the inside to follow Greg Hill who found a perfect hole and for a moment, I was near the front, then slipped a pedal! In 2005 I was put it touch with John to make DVD copies of his old tape. I really don’t remember how we connected. Perhaps it was through Scott? I do remember talking with John on the telephone several times and sharing some good old school BMX stories. We really had some good talks and I could tell BMX was a major part of his life and was still in his soul. I thought of John as a friend, more so from our phone conversations 15 years ago than from our brief encounter 40 years ago this summer. But it was the experience 40 years ago that formed the bond and created one of the most incredible BMX stories. God bless you John Kiernan. Thank you for touching so many young lives.

[@mlandis8572]

Not sure how I came across this, but I am thankful as this is the only video that I have ever seen of me racing BMX. I was in the 7x class and won that day for my fourth national win in a row. Off the track I remember it was hotter than hell and playing with Justin Roos in the dirt like 7 year old's should! I was 3rd nationally in points at that time but an unfortunate birthday in June moved me up to the 8 year old class right before my home national in Portland where my streak broke with an 8th! All that said I had so much fun racing BMX and the confidence it gave me in life! Thank you for whoever posted this as I finally have a video to see. Cheers to all of my old competitors, Justin Roos, Adrew Soule, Trevor Pickot..Spelling error I am sure, Jimmy Smith and the list goes on! Myke Landis

[@jennydager]

John was a dear friend to me, from the beginning of my BMX career in Wakarusa, IN., until most recently.
John entrusted me with this video. I have the original VHS tape. Thank you for your kind words about John.
He was one of the greatest men I have ever known.

[@BikeTripr]

Jenny, I only spoke with John a few times, but I knew he had many friends from BMX. I'm sorry for your loss of such a dear friend. Take care and stay safe! Tim

[@jennydager]

@@BikeTripr Thank you, Tim. That is nice of you. If we aren't already, please add me as a friend on FB. Stay safe as well, Tim! Jenny Dager

[@frankbalazs8816]

My Entire family spent 30 years racing!! God bless

[@BriSouth]

Hi, wondering if anyone has info or vids of a childhood friend Steve Lynch. I know he, and possibly his dad, raced at Elkhart in the early 80’s.

[@williamknutson6163]

Bob Osbourne from BMX Action magazine.... With Wendy..

[@shitfer]

Windy Osborn.
Thank you for uploading this.

[@overtake3]

John Tomac at 9:12, #232

[@SuperMickey57]

Old school BMX was so much better, you had to pedal you ass off! You had to be in shape to win.
Today's tracks are asphalt or packed hard dirt that might as well be, and it's all about flow with no endurance.