The Illinois State Championship Qualifier at Rockford BMX was well positioned to provide some national-scene riders some practice, against some formidable Illinois talent. With just three weeks til the ABA Midwest Nationals, this served as a great dress rehearsal for riders, concession stand cooks and, yes, even photogs. The track, which is always manicured better than Paris Hilton’s toenails, is in primo shape, and Mother Nature did her part to serve up a pristine day of ABA BMX racing. Sixty-some motos saw national main makers like Felicia Stancil, Tyler Whitfield, Jon Jon Rapp (above) and Justin Richmond gate up and get down.

Check out the photo gallery (yes, I have a new favorite shooting spot…the last turn), and we’ll see you on June 19, when the final round of the UCI North American Series hits town, along with the Midwest Nationals, and the 10th anniversary of the Vintage BMX Rockford Member Gathering…all happening in what will, that weekend, be the center of the BMX Universe—Rockford BMX.