ACTION SPORT ATTRACTION: Local BMX star to race at home

TJ Lavin has waited 14 years to compete in a major event in his hometown so another seven months will not be too much to bear.

The 33-year-old BMX Dirt bike legend is eager for the prestigious Dew Tour to hold its season-finale Oct. 14-17 at the Hard Rock.

"There have been some races here but nothing like the Dew Tour," Lavin said. "This is amazing."

Lavin, a Las Vegas native who has a BMX track behind his Southern Highlands home, competed in one of three Tour events last year but plans to race all four this year. Two events, including the June 25-26 opener in Boston, are limited to skateboarding.

His racing schedule was limited last year due to commitments to MTV, where he hosts "Real World/Road Rules Challenge." He arrived in Mexico City on Friday afternoon to host part of MTV's spring-break coverage in Acapulco.

"I love the X Games, but the Dew Tour is our premier series and it's bigger than the X Games."

This year's Tour offers a total prize fund of $2.5 million.

Another Las Vegas resident expected to compete is Australian Cam White, the 2008 BMX Dirt champion.

While Lavin and White will enjoy staying at home, others are eager to spend four days in Las Vegas as the Tour's annual banquet also will be held here.

"I love Vegas, so to be able to compete there seems almost surreal," said Ryan Sheckler, a three-time Dew Cup champion."

The Hard Rock event will include all six Tour disciplines: skateboarding (park and vert), BMX (park, vert and dirt) and freestyle motocross.

Each Tour event is televised live on NBC. Various segments also are shown on cable outlets. including MTV and USA, and in selected foreign countries.

The Dew Tour is the latest sports series to hold its season finale here, joining college basketball conferences, AMA Supercross, Professional Bull Riders and the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association.

"Las Vegas has a long and storied history of supporting high-profile, season-ending championships," said Pat Christenson, president of Las Vegas Events. "This will be our first foray into championship action sports and a great addition to our roster of signature events."

Contact reporter Jeff Wolf at jwolf@reviewjournal.com or 702-383-0247.

source:
Las Vegas Review Journal