ABA/NBL Merger Called Off

theshrew19

• November 06 2002
• add a comment

Regretfully, today, November 5, 2002, the sport of BMX has once again reached its biggest challenge ever. The challenge now is to continue growing the sport separately. In addition to the growth of the sport the ABA will now be focused on providing an increased level of service and support to all ABA members and all ABA tracks.

As you now know, the ABA was approached by USA Cycling, to purchase the NBL. We met every request that was made. Unfortunately others did not share the vision.

“I have long thought about what it would be like to have one sanctioning body that could promote BMX and have it attain the prominence that we all feel it deserves in the sporting world. The sheer joy of promoting an entire sport and being able to offer nationwide exposure for every member and track operator is very exciting.” As we all know now, this was only a dream.

I would like to personally thank each and every person who supported this merger. I’m truly sorry we’ll never know how great this could have been. As the ABA President, a former track operator and a grandfather of three BMX racers, I can tell you my passion for the sport has never been stronger. I still say it is time to set aside the differences and the individual desires and focus on what will best serve the sport, the youth and their future.

Sincerely,
Clayton John
President
American Bicycle Association