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Grand Nationals Offers Grand Time for Riders Thursday, Dec 11th, 2008 By P.J. DiPentino It’s good to be home. Twelve hours one way in a van full of teenagers can be testy no matter how much patience a dad has. Add in the 7-year-old and it could become completely out of hand. Luckily, this group of riders proved to be a good bunch and we made it to the expo center in record time. The kids quickly located the RMR pit area and we settled in for a long weekend of racing. The only practice session is on Thanksgiving Day. After our practice we had a makeshift turkey spread in the hotel room followed by swimming in the pool. Friday was the first competition. The race of champions is a invitation only race for the riders who raced on the state level. Phillip and Gabriella Dipentino, Brad Grenda, and Wyatt Bell raced this event. Wyatt Bell dominated his class and walked away with another first place win. The others worked really hard but could not advance through the stiff competition. After the races again back to the hotel to join the BMXers who had taken over the pool and hot tubs. Saturday and Sunday were the qualifiers. Gabriella raced exceptionally well but could not get past a very talented group of girls. If you think BMX is a boys’ sport watch a 14-year-old girls’ event and you will be surprised. Gabriella mixed elbows all weekend but did not qualify. The same can be said for Phillip DiPentino and Kyle Gray. Nerves and excitement got the better of them and they could not get out of the qualifiyng rounds. Brad Grenda did well and advanced to the quarterfinals. He was able to win one of his qualifying races. Wyatt Bell, the 6-year-old, looked great and made it all the way to the main event. With a very strong ride, he came away with a third place overall. On the way home I asked the riders the following questions to pass time here are some of their responses. Gabriella DiPentino –– 14 yrs old The road trip: “I slept most of the way. Painted the boys’ toenails while they were sleeping. The ride home was long and boring!” Arrival to facility: “Just another day at the track. Hope I do well.” Best moment: “Being with the Colorado racing families in the pit area.” Worst moment: “Saying goodbye to the 2008 RMR national riders leaving.’’ Lesson learned: “Training affects the results.” Future BMX plans: “District champion on both bikes.” Brad Grenda –– 12 yrs old The road trip: “I was nervous about the races. Anxious to get there.” Arrival to facility: “It was huge. It was the biggest track I’ve ever seen!” Best moment: “Qualifying to the quarter finals.” Worst moment: “Getting eliminated.” Lesson learned: “Control my nerves, balance.” Future BMX plans: “Factory ride someday.” Kyle Gray –– 12 yrs old The road trip: “Fun to be with friends, playing videos.” Arrival to facility: “I was very nervous. The building was huge.” Best moment: “Racing the Grand nationals.” Worst moment: “Gabby painting my nails when I slept.” Lesson learned: “How to pedal in the turns.” Future plans: “To become an expert before the next Grand Nationals.” Phillip DiPentino –– Seven years old The road trip: “Long ride, fun playing video games with the teenagers.” Arrival to facility: “So many people, where is our pit area.” Best moment: “Swimming at the pool and racing.” Worst moment: “Leaving to come home.” Future plans: “Travel the world racing my bike.” Wyatte Bell –– Six years old The road trip: “I had fun playing videos on my play station.” Arrival to facility: “It was a great track and I couldn’t wait to ride it.” Best moment: “Racing all the kids.” Worst moment: “Drive to the Grands, took forever.” Future plans: “To repeat all my wins next year by trying my best.”
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