With all of the uncertainty in event planning this year, it was not a huge surprise that
the DK Bicycles North East Gold Cup Finals shifted locations somewhat last minute. We were
very lucky to have it land at a great location, Akron BMX in Akron Ohio. The Big Red Truck was
last here for the 2018 North East Gold Cup Finals, and the track is located in a pretty incredible
location. To start things off the first straight runs parallel to the Akron airport runway, and the
old Goodyear Blimp hanger is the backdrop for turn one. Besides the airport there are a few
other athletic fields, the 1000’ long World-Famous Derby Downs Soap Box Derby Track, and
finally the multi-bowl Akron Skate Park on the grounds as well.

Just like the last time that the Gold Cup Finals were held here the V-shaped track was in
near perfect condition, and now has a brand-new starting gate, thanks to the fund-raising
efforts of the volunteer crew. Right alongside the starting hill there is even a separate strider
track with its own Ram-Air starting gate. After only spending a short time here it is easy to see
why this is a multi-year Top Ten Winning Track.

Unlike years in the past, Friday night this year ended up being a Last Chance Qualifier
not a pre-race, so you could come to the finals with only one Qualifier and pick up your
required second one the night before the finals. The weather this time around was much
colder and quite cloudy plus there was a slight threat of rain on Sunday and it did sprinkle a few
times, but never enough to be a bother.

With the Moto count reaching into the 150’s this weekend it was apparent that there
would be some great racing as many challengers all vied for their chance to go home with the
coveted first place jackets and top three number plates.