The success of the NBL Coyote National in Goodyear, Arizona continues to resonate throughout the Southwest and judging from the larger-than-expected turnout, it could be become a regular stop on the NBL National circuit. The race, which drew riders from 24 states and a large contingent from Canada, was an instant hit with racers and spectators alike.

A large group of riders even took to the track after Saturday's national and continued to ride. They all echoed the same feeling about the instantly popular Estrella Mtn. Track. "This is one of the best tracks I have ever ridden. After most races, I just pack up my bike and go to the hotel but I can't get enough - Estrella Mtn rocks" said one of the riders.
NBL continues to elevate their presence in the West and the Coyote National provided a golden opportunity for western-based riders and teams to qualify for the 2008 NBL Grand National. Amateurs require only six National scores plus the Grands to earn a NBL National number and two of those scores can come from NBL Regionals. Best of all there's two more big NBL weekends coming up in California - The Pacific Nationals, April 5-6 in SoCal (Whittier Narrows BMX) and the Golden State Nationals, June 21-22 in NorCal (Manzanita Park BMX in Prunedale).

The Coyote Nationals kicked off on Friday with the 8th UCI Continental race - one of the key races in USA Cycling's Olympic ranking schedule, followed by the first of eight Pennant Series Pre-races. The new NBL Pennant series is offered exclusively at War of the Stars Pro events where all entrants receive a cool 'limited edition' pennant when they register for the pre-race.

Under Saturday's beautiful sunny skies, Day one of the Coyote National featured 75 motos of great racing action. Kyle Bennett, the current NBL National Champion, proved that he is the man to beat, edging out GT's Randy Stumpfhauser and Free Agent's Cristian Becerine for the win in Elite Men. Alise Post pulled off her second win in as many days beating out Barragan and VBS-Kenda/BAWLS' Rachel Smith. Supercross's Kenth Fallen made his NBL Masters debut a success winning the main and Denzel Stein did the same in Super-Ex. The parched ground of central Arizona finally received some much-needed rain on Saturday evening which eventually led to the cancellation of Day 2 on Sunday - Bad news if you didn't make the main but good news for Saturday's winners who earned back-to-back wins.

Intense/Phantom On-Trac took top honors in the tough National Team division with back-to-back wins and pocketed Saturday's double-cash payout for their efforts. With their full time commitment to the NBL Nationals and a star-studded roster, they may find themselves challenging Dan's Comp and Factory Felt for the #1 Title. The NBL National Team title will once again come down to the Grands. Extreme Sports/Answer earned the double win in the Team NBL category ahead of BMX Bombers.

A big thank-you goes out to the Woodmansee family, who established this awesome facility, and to Justin and Lynette Hill and all of the volunteers for their efforts leading up to and during the National weekend. A job well done!