Pro riders and past Olympians gear up for Thanksgiving week events leading to the 2025 USA BMX National Series season finale For many in the BMX community, Thanksgiving isn’t defined by the dinner table, it’s defined by Tulsa. Each year, riders return for a week of racing, camaraderie, and the hope of landing on the podium at the USA BMX Grand Nationals, known throughout the sport as the “Greatest Race on Earth.”
Marking the final stop of the 2025 USA BMX National Series, the five-day championship event will take place Nov. 26-30 at the SageNet Center in the Tulsa Expo Square, 4145 E. 21st St. and USA BMX Headquarters and Hall of Fame Museum, 490 N Lansing Ave. in Tulsa. Events in Tulsa will be held from Nov. 22 to Dec. 1.
“Thanksgiving is about family – for us, that’s the BMX community,” said BA Anderson, CEO of USA BMX. “There’s no better way to celebrate than with riders and fans from around the world, sharing the thrill, the chaos and the sheer joy of this sport. We’re grateful for every one of them, every year.”
This year’s festivities presented by the Tulsa Sports Commission will be no different, with each day jam-packed with heart-pumping races and events drawing hundreds of professional and amateur racers from all over the world as they vie for one of seven number-one championship titles up for grabs.
“USA BMX Grand Nationals is one of Tulsa’s iconic sporting events. There is no better way to celebrate Thanksgiving,” said Jason Suitt, senior director of sports sales for the Tulsa Sports Commission. “Beyond the nearly $18 million in estimated total economic impact, Grand Nationals brings visitors from all over the country and continues to show that Tulsa is a premiere destination for top-tier sporting events.”
— A Thanksgiving Feast Fit for Champions A true Thanksgiving isn’t complete without turkey and all the fixings. Fans of the holiday classics can enjoy their fill at the annual Thanksgiving dinner, benefiting the USA BMX Foundation’s STEM education programs. The dinner will be held across two seatings (4-6 p.m. and 6-8 p.m). Tickets are $30 for adults and $20 for kids 10 and under.
— A Full Week of Events
The full schedule of events from Nov. 22 to Dec. 1 can be found here, and features the following highlights: Wednesday, Nov. 26
• 9-10 a.m. – Have coffee with Olympians and World Champions from across the globe, where guests are able to get to know the pros on a deeper level, hosted by Connor Fields and featuring Cam Wood, Payton Ridenour, Molly Simpson, Carly Kane, Jeff Upshaw, Jack Davis, Lexis Colby, Izaac Kennedy, Ryan Tougas, Barry Nobles, Drew Polk and Kam Larsen.
• Cost is $30. Register at usabmx.redpodium.com/ coffee-with-the-pros-2025.
Thursday, Nov. 27 (Thanksgiving)
• 8 a.m. – Let the games begin between BMX pros on Thanksgiving Day with the first day of the Race of Champions commencing (SageNet Center).
• 4-8 p.m. – USA BMX Foundation Thanksgiving Day Dinner fundraiser (USA BMX Headquarters and Hall of Fame) Friday, Nov. 28
• 8 a.m. – The thrilling pro race series continues with the second day of the Race of Champions (SageNet Center).
• 7 p.m. – The pros compete and give their all in the Pro Championship Finals, determining who will be standing on the first place podiums.
• Tickets will be available at the door for $20. Discounts available with qualifying purchase at the Avery Bar & Grill located at the Hyatt Regency.
Sunday, Nov. 29
• 8 a.m. – The amateur BMX riders get their chance to shine during the first day of the USA BMX Grand Nationals (SageNet Center).
Sunday, Nov. 30
• 8 a.m. – The second and final day of the USA BMX Grand Nationals (SageNet Center).
— Who’s On Top?
The 2025 USA BMX National Series has been packed with speed, skill and plenty of drama, but with the season finale fast approaching, all eyes turn to Thanksgiving weekend for the final showdown.
Montana’s Cam Wood and Canada’s Molly Simpson head into the 2025 Grand Nationals with the overall points lead in the premier Men and Women Pro classes. Simpson arrives in Tulsa with a maxedout 800-point score, aiming to protect her title from Australian veteran Lauren Reynolds and Tulsa local Payton Ridenour, both sitting just 90 points behind and well within striking distance. In the Men Pro division, Cam Wood’s consistent season has earned him four wins and a 100-point cushion heading into the Grands. Australia’s Izaac Kennedy sits second with 660 points, followed closely by rising Australian rookie Joshua Jolly at 640.
With tight battles and titles on the line, the stage is set for an electric finish to the 2025 season.
Men
• Cam Wood (Bozeman, Mont.)
• Izaac Kennedy (Queensland, Australia)
• Joshua Jolly (Queensland, Australia)
• Simon Marquart (Switzerland)
• Kamren Larsen (Bakersfield, Calif.)
Women
• Molly Simpson (Alberta, Canada)
• Lauren Reynolds (San Diego, Calif.)
• Payton Ridenour (Tulsa)
• Daleny Vaughn (Tucson, Ariz.)
• Olivia Armstrong (Bend, Ore.) – “The Grands Nationals are truly the culmination of an incredible season for USA BMX,” said Jacob Nelson, Track Operator at Hardesty National BMX Stadium. “From emerging young riders to seasoned pros, we’ve watched athletes across the country push their limits all year. The competition has never been stronger, and it’s inspiring to see that dedication play out on BMX’s biggest stage.”
For BMX fans who are unable to attend the competition in person, they can stream all the action live on FloSports with a FloSports subscription.
