July 8, 2023

Hundreds of amateur and professional BMX riders will converge in Raytown July 14-16, to compete in the BMX Mid-America Nationals. While this is a national event, riders are expected from across the county, however, many will be local, including current World Champion Eli Staton (age 12), and Lola Jonjevic (age 14), consistently one of the best ranked girl riders in the country. Both Staton and Jonjevic have been racing and training together for more than a decade.

Riders will range in age from 5 to over 50 including Kittie Weston-Knauer, who turns 75 later this month. To celebrate her birthday, Weston-Knauer’s goal is to compete in 75 races this year.

The three-day event will be held at Raytown BMX, a USA BMX sanctioned facility. Raytown has hosted five previous nationals. Visit KC estimates that this event will generate $1.3 million in economic impact.

“We have an exceptional track in Raytown, and our 2021 national race hosted people from Texas, Colorado, New Jersey and several states in between,” said

Dave Turner, City of Raytown Parks and Recreation Director. “I am proud that this is one of the few events that Raytown can host on a national scale. We are ecstatic to have a facility that is ranked so highly by the USA BMX organization.” Located at 12605 Frost Rd, Kansas City, MO 64138

The races will begin at 1:30 p.m. on Friday, 9.a.m. Saturday, and 8 a.m. on Sunday. Parking is $30 for the weekend or $10 a day. Additional fees for small trailers and RVs/Travel trailers. Participants will race well into the evening.

From April – November, practices are held on Mondays and races on Thursdays at the Raytown track. Rental bikes and equipment are available as well as concessions.

For more information on the Mid America Nationals or schedule, go to usabmx.com.