Even Blizzard Conditions Can't Stop FMX

EVEN BLIZZARD CONDITIONS CAN'T STOP FMX
Saturday, January 21, 2012, Webster Bank Arena, Bridgeport, CT

Saturday morning greeted us with white out conditions as a massive storm slammed into the New England area. Lucky for us it stopped snowing around noon and the snow plows went to work so the Connecticut freestyle fans could be treated to a fabulous night of riding.

Jimmie McGuire again drew the pole position and showed the crowd why he has been one of the top riders in North America for a decade. McGuire worked smoothly through his set and when he got to the podium he gave the crowd a big "What's up Bridgeport" that got a huge roar of approval. J Mac put an 83.75 on the board and headed to the pits as Derek Burlew made his way onto the floor. DB won last nights' Whip contest and showed the crowd why on his first trick, throwing the bike sideways and looking into the suites in the upper deck. Burlew also tossed in a Rock Solid and a Backflip on his way to an 89.5. Drake McElroy jetted out next and went right from the tunnel to the first ramp and showed the crowd his drain plug with a Whip Nac followed by a sweet Stripper. DMC's score of 86.25 wouldn't be enough to get him into the finals but he was casual about it, thanking the crowd and promising to be back for the Whip contest after intermission. The final rider to the floor in the first half was Metal Mulisha rider Nick Dunne and he came out with something to prove. Nicky wanted to hang the biggest number on the board for the top qualifying spot and he did just that, nailing an Indy Flip, Heel Clicker Flip and a gigantic Rock Solid that gave him a tally of 94.5. Dunne kept at it after the 60 seconds had expired and thrilled the crowd with a Captain Morgan and a Captain Morgan Flip that was one of the highlights of the night.

The thrills kept coming as the 5050BMX.com crew took center stage with Eddie Buckley pumping the crowd on the mic. Jeremiah Smith took charge early and showed the fans why he earned a Gold Medal at the China X-Games in street, but local legend Hector Retrepo was not to be outdone and they kept upping the ante throughout their set. Brian Hunt kept pace and the youngster Zane Bradley gave us a peek at what a bright future he has ahead of him during the back flip train. For the finale Craig Mast went ballistic and nailed a front flip that tore the roof off the Webster Bank Arena.

The second half of our qualifiers was kicked off by Julian Dusseau and he wanted to make sure he punched his ticket to the finals. He opened his run with a 9 O'clock Nac and followed that with a series of flip tricks that included an Indy Flip to Super Flip that got a huge response from the crowd. The judges liked what they saw and The California Kid was rewarded with a 92. Keith Sayers was our next rider out and the Montana native was focused on making the finals after a couple of bobbles on Friday night derailed his chances. He laid down a solid run that featured a massive Kiss of Death that was perfectly executed on his way to a total of 92.25. Last nights' winner Gabriel Villegas was the final rider to take the floor and he spent a little extra time working the crowd before getting into his run. He looked very smooth and nailed every trick he attempted including a very difficult Seat Grab Flip. His score of 92.75 placed him in the second qualifying spot in the finals.

When we lined up for the Whip Contest and had a new face competing because Jimmie McGuire came out to play. J Mac showed off his much improved whip and told me afterward he may just start competing in the crowd judged event on a weekly basis. Gabriel Villegas and Nick Dunne both threw out excellent whips but Drake McElroy blew everyone away with his signature Whip Nac aboard his Smoking Seagulls Honda CRF 450.

Metal Mulisha rider Julian Dusseau started our finals off with a killer run. He rocked four straight flip combo tricks and a beautiful seat grab Indy to Rock Solid on his way to a 93.25. Keith Sayers looked cool and collected on his run and showed amazing extension on a big Kiss of Death; however he was unable to knock Dusseau out of the FMXonline.com Hot Seat with his 92 even. Friday nights winner Gabriel Villegas flew next and his first 60 seconds were flawless, however when he went for a one hand seat grab Super flip he nearly missed the grab and had to reel the trick in before he completed it. As a result he was only able to post a 90.5. That meant Julian Dusseau had watched two riders from the comfort of the FMXonline.com Hotseat before his Metal Mulisha teammate Nicky "Six Guns" Dunne came to the floor. They may be on the same team but when it comes to competing Dunne doesn't hold anything back and he even threw a throat slash at Dusseau when he rolled by before opening his run. Nicky went big for all 80 seconds and even nailed a seat grab Indy air to no footed Can Can flip to earn the win with a 94.

We had an awesome time here in Bridgeport, CT and are looking forward to our next stop in Oklahoma City. You can still get great seats for the show at ticketmaster.com. Don't forget to post your best picture with your favorite FMX merchandise at Facebook.com/FMXonline.com for your chance to be the fan of the week. David Knisley