Racers from all over the Pacific Northwest descended on Vernon for the Rattler Nationals BMX event last weekend at Ranger Park.
After pre-race warmups Friday night, organizers had to postpone National No. 1 race Saturday due to heavy rain. The Ranger track was tarped to prevent further damage, and with improved weather Sunday, the action began.
Vernon’s Brendan Davies, making his pro debut, placed third in the morning race, despite a spectacular crash in his qualifying.
First-place finishes on Saturday morning went to Matthew McMillan, Noah DeBalinhard, Riley Clark, Brittany Luchene and Shylo Orchard.
With only a 30-minute break, riders went right back at it for the second National race. Local riders topping the podium in the second included Orchard, DeBalinhard, Clark and Luchene.
Consistent results over the weekend were put in by a number of riders other riders: Charlie Erickson (5th, 4th), William Erickson (4th, 5th), Dale Cooper (3rd), Elijah Riley (3rd, 4th), Cole Ruscheinsky (3rd, 3rd), Xavier Bitz (2nd), Jennifer Bitz (3rd), Cade Davies (2nd, 2nd) and Jeremy Clark (5th).
Event sponsors include: Swan Lake Fruit and Garden Centre, McDonalds, Farrer Tool Rentals, Wendy’s, Burger King, Vernon Square, Safeway, Sign Doc, Kelly O’Bryans, Nor-Val Rentals, Silver Star Motel, Douglas Lake Custom Homes, Skyride Cycle, Harwood Elementary, Kal Tire, Village Green Hotel, City of Vernon works yard, Sun FM, Vernon Dodge, 29th Street AutoPlex, Helmut’s Sausage, Rancho Vignola and Chasers Bottle Depot.
