With spring in full swing – racing season is off to a great start around the world. As of this writing there have already been three main status races in as many months – Cold Fusion Sizzler in Houston, Texas; Slalom Skateboard Conscience in Sao Paulo Brazil and Slalom St Louis in Missouri. The world ranking stats have 5-time overall world champ Joe McLaren of USA in the #1 position again with Sweden’s Viking Hadestrand #2. In fact, it’s USA (3) and Sweden (2) for the top 5 pro spots. With sixteen or so races still on the horizon – there will be plenty of chances for racers to make their mark on the world circuit. Three of these main events also carry the possibility of winning a title or two for the season with extra bragging rights to boot.
First up will be the Sk8Kings US National Slalom Championships in Oceanside California – featuring a gnarly steep hill venue situated in the heart of the slalom racing hotbed of the 1970’s. Hosted by local diehards So Cal Racing and La Costa Boys this 5th annual race will offer up national titles to the fastest USA racers and another great reason to plan a summer visit to So Cal. (July 11-12)
Meanwhile across the pond, the Skateland European Championships in Gothenburg Sweden will be the go-to for high stakes racing with title honors as the summer heats up. The Gothenburg crew has a thriving local racing scene and this top-ranked event will also feature boardercross and a megaramp record attempt. (August 28-30)
All the sun sets on summer the racing world will switch focus to Ashland Kentucky for THE major event of the year – the Slalom World Championships. When plans fell through with the previously announced location in New Hampshire – the tristate crew known as HOSS – jumped at the chance to claim the hosting honor. HOSS which stands for “Hillbilly Outlaw Slalom Skateboarding” (aptly named with the regions Appalachian culture in mind) is headed by Lenny Poage. Worlds will be an official part of Ashland’s annual bash – Poage Landing Days Festival – with racing smack dab in the middle of town during the weekend event. Lenny is a descendant of the festival’s namesake and 2015 marks the 10th anniversary of his annual Conefest race. He’s proving his “If I build it – they will come” philosophy in a big way for sure. (Sept 18-20)