PRESS RELEASE

Stars And Stripes Nationals Bring Elite BMX Action to Akron for Independence Day Weekend

Taking place July 3-5 at Akron BMX, the national stop draws riders vying for points in Stop No. 19 of the 2026 USA BMX National Series.

TULSA, Okla. (June 29, 2026)—Akron will welcome some of the nation’s top BMX racers July 3-5 as the 2026 USA BMX National Series rolls into Akron BMX for the Stars And Stripes Nationals over Independence Day weekend. The three-day stop is expected to draw hundreds of riders and spectators, with head-to-head racing and a lively, family-friendly atmosphere surrounding the track. The weekend captures the high-energy spirit of BMX alongside the celebration of one of the summer’s most iconic holiday weekends.

On Thursday, July 2, the excitement begins with the All-American Soap Box BMX Pro Cup, a unique crossover event that pairs the thrill of BMX competition with the iconic Soap Box Derby. Open to all pro-class riders entered in the USA BMX National events, the competition features a $1,000 purse, free spectator admission, and a VIP reception to kick off the Independence Day weekend festivities. Spectators can enjoy the action free of charge, making it a fun kickoff to the Stars And Stripes Nationals and Independence Day weekend in Akron.

The Stars And Stripes Nationals mark stop no.19 of the 2026 USA BMX National Series. The three-day BMX competition will be held at Akron BMX at 1000 Service Road in Akron. Races begin at 2:30 p.m. Friday, 9:30 a.m. Saturday and 8 a.m. Sunday. 

"Akron BMX is thrilled to host the USA BMX 2026 Stars And Stripes National and welcome BMX riders and families from across the United States and around the world,” said Tom Wagner, track operator at Akron BMX. “This premier event provides an incredible opportunity to showcase our outstanding BMX facility while highlighting the passion, talent, and sportsmanship that make BMX racing so special. We look forward to creating an unforgettable experience for competitors of all ages and celebrating our BMX community on a national and international stage."

The 2026 Stars And Stripes Nationals will provide riders with a key opportunity to strengthen their position in the national standings. Competitors from across the country will converge in Akron pursuing valuable championship points, knowing that every lap and finish can have a lasting impact on the title chase. For many athletes, success this weekend could be a defining moment in their journey toward a USA BMX National Championship.

Taking place over the Fourth of July holiday, the event offers a chance for riders and families from across the country to come together, enjoy great competition and celebrate Independence Day with fellow BMX enthusiasts. That combination of racing and tradition has helped make it a perennial favorite on the national schedule.

"The USA BMX Stars and Stripes National Race highlights the tremendous value of sports tourism to our community,” said Gregg Mervis, President and CEO of the ASCVB. “Over the holiday weekend, we'll welcome competitors and fans from across the country who will stay in our hotels, experience our culinary options and support local businesses. Events like this generate meaningful economic impact while showcasing Greater Akron as a premier destination for national sporting events."

Akron offers BMX families and fans a chance to experience a city shaped by outdoor adventure and Midwest hospitality, with plenty to enjoy beyond a weekend of championship racing. Visitors can discover Akron's rich history, explore its growing collection of local restaurants and shops, and venture into the surrounding parks and trails that make Northeast Ohio a favorite destination for outdoor enthusiasts. The full Stars And Stripes Nationals schedule can be viewed here. For more information about attractions, dining and events in Akron, view Akron/Summit Convention & Visitors Bureau at https://www.visitakron-summit.org/. 

WHAT

USA BMX Stars And Stripes Nationals

WHEN

Friday - Sunday, July 3-5, 2026

• Friday: Racing begins at 2:30 p.m.

• Saturday: Racing begins at 9:30 a.m

• Sunday: Racing begins at 8:00 a.m.

WHERE

Akron BMX 

1000 Service Road

Akron, OH 44306

COST               

• Free admission

• Parking is $10 per day

MEDIA

Interviews and visual opportunities are available with local BMX riders and/or a USA BMX representative. To secure, please contact Alayna Dalgleish at [email protected] or 360-703-8602. Photos from the 2022 Stars And Stripes Nationals held in Akron can be found here. The full BMX image library can be found here. Please credit USA BMX if photos are published.

About USA BMX

Established as the American Bicycle Association in 1977 and headquartered in Tulsa, Oklahoma, ABA is the nation’s largest cycling organization with more than 70,000 members with combined racing and freestyle events at more than 300 sanctioned BMX tracks across the United States and Canada. ABA empowers and elevates the early stages of bicycle development by creating opportunities through facility development, programs, and national events. As a result, ABA has developed a structured blueprint. A cyclist can progress from humble beginnings on a balance bike to becoming a BMX Olympian by establishing these roots. 

Through STEAM, scholarships, freestyle amateur events, the national series, the Olympics and new facilities built across the United States, these four pillars under the USA BMX organization will impact young riders and families: USA BMX Foundation, USA BMX Freestyle, USA BMX Racing and ABA Ethos.

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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Organization: USA BMX

Event Name: USA BMX Stars And Stripes Nationals

Series: 2026 USA BMX National Series (Stop #19)

Sport: BMX racing, cycling, action sports

Primary Location: Akron BMX, Akron, OH, USA 

Venue Address: 1000 Service Road, Akron, OH 44306 USA 

Event Dates: July 3-5, 2026

Contact (Media): Alayna Dalgleish | 360-703-8602 | [email protected]