Norba National Series #4 Durango, CO

The 2002 Norba series is approaching its end with just one race remaining, but so far its been a great season for Wade Bootes. Already winning the 2002 Norba Dual Slalom title, back in May at the one race championship, Wade has looked strong ever since and has been very consistent. With just returning from Brazil from the BMX world Championships, where he placed 3rd and grabbed a bronze medal, Wade makes the bike transition look easy.
Friday night a the Qualifiers, Wade looked back at home on his mountain bike as he was the 4th fastest qualifier for the night. The times of the top 4 riders were all with in .100th of a second, so it was going to be a tight battle to make the finals. Once Saturday night rolled around, Wade felt strong and his powerful gate start and first straitaway brought him heat wins in each race he was in until the finals.
The Final four riders, Wade Bootes, Eric Carter, Brian Schmith and Rich Houseman loaded into the gate, each being capable to win. As the gate randomly falls in Mountain cross racing, Wade was off guard for just a split second, but just like in BMX, that split second makes a world of difference as he now found himself in 2nd, behind Carter. Wade rode a strong lap, but was unable to catch 1st place. 2nd in the final though was a great accomplishment and more importantly moved him in 2nd overall in the series title chase, with just one race remaining in 2 weeks in Vermont.
Wades now on his way back to his roots this week, getting ready to do the biggest BMX race of 2002, the X-Games BMX Downhill event next weekend in Woodward, PA. If Wade can bring his MTB skills to the X-Games course and his BMX speed, we may be looking at another title to be added to his list of accomplishments after next weekend!
Wade's Sponsors include Trek, Volkswagen, O'Neal, Oakley, AC Components, Vans Shoes, Bombshell, IRC Tires, THE numberplates and Pads, ATI, Marwi Ti Spokes, Powerbar, Head Lock, Double A Marketing, Toolshed, BMXpros.com, WadeBootes.com, and Champion Nutrition.

NORBA NCS #4 - Durango, CO
Mountain Cross Results
1. Eric Carter, Mongoose-Hyundai
2. Wade Bootes (Aus), Trek-Volkswagen
3. Rich Houseman, Houseman Bros.
4. Brian Schmith, Mongoose-Hyundai