The pros wanted a bigger purse that would be spread out over eight places, instead of the top four at ABA Nationals. This would ensure anyone making nationals would get a share of the winnings. The claim was that while NBL, NBA, and independent promotional race purses went up over the years, the ABA purses remained relatively stagnant. ABA races only warranted brief comments and listings of race results.
The USBA, suffering its own financial dire straits, sold it back to Hutch who in turn sold it to the ABA. Several ABA tracks left the ABA and joined Roker to participate in his series which were to be NBL sanctioned. With this siege mentality in his background it was easy for Mennenga to believe that USBA stole the valuable ABA membership records to proposition ABA racers to join the USBA. While the value of this list would be a motive to steal it, Mennenga provided no evidence. The magazine had left the ABA on the verge of bankruptcy. The rising costs of the insurance crises of the early 1980s, with its skyrocketing rates, affected every sanctioning body, but given the ABA’s greatly weakened state it, was life-threatening.
Discussion of Vintage and Antique track, road-racing, fixed gear and 6-Day bicycles. Schwinn Stingrays, Krates, and other brands of the hot-rod style bicycles built during the 1960’s and 1970’s. Instead it was the USBA that ended up being bought out by the ABA.
Discussion of classic balloon-tire and middleweight bicycles built between 1933 and 1965. There was a rumor of one final act to survive conducted by the USBA. If true, perhaps they were thinking about the precedent of Walt Ehnart, the former President of the ABA and by then the Vice President of the USBA that they could have turned Mennenga. However unlikely it would have been, nothing came of it. The first ABA Pro Spectacular, a critical success, was launched in Reno, Nevada, on January 4, 1985. The efficient event was generally liked by pros and more than enough pros participated to make it interesting, $10,000 purses for each race were offered.
In 2002, the ABA attempted to purchase the NBL from USA Cycling after it was approached by officers of USA Cycling to sell the NBL but was turned down by the USA Cycling board. Despite the expensive second TV advertisements shown on the-popular programs like Magnum, P.I., Dynasty and Good Morning America, it was difficult to win over the public. The light attendance most likely did not justify the reputed $4000 in television advertising the ABA invested.
This was in the teeth of a general two year sag in ridership on the racing side of the industry and in the face of the popularity of BMX Freestyle, Skateboarding and the rise of Mountain Biking. To help reduce costs, the ABA ran a few selected Amateur open classes to offset, at least partially, the losses. The most successful of the Spectaculars (non-racer attendance) was the fifth round held in Phoenix, Arizona, on February 8, which drew 2,600 paying spectators. However, the cost of renting the arena and lack of entrance fees were financial expenses the ABA could not absorb. Despite the relatively low admission fee of $5.00, the venues were either empty, or seating was well below capacity. At the first event held at the Lawlor Events Centre of the University of Nevada in Reno, Nevada, only about 2,000 spectators were on hand in a facility that could seat 10,000.
However, nearly 160 track operators did switch to the USBA, effectively splitting the world of BMX racing three ways. While BMX Action’s deliberate boycott was damaging, it was not the only reason the ABA received reduced coverage in the BMX press, including in BMX Action’s biggest competitors BMX Plus! And Super BMX. Many ABA nationals coincided with important NBL nationals and considering there was an informal pro boycott of ABA nationals, other races were often scheduled on the same weekend as ABA events. The press followed, which led to a further decrease in coverage. The ABA changed the way it would decide its top pro for the 1984 season.
The Newport has a classic cruiser steel frame with CruzFit geometry for better fit and comfort. With embroidered spring saddle, dual density grips and larger pedals, this bike provides Huffy Nel Lusso the ultimate comfortable and stable riding experience. The V-luxe 7-speed index twist shifting system and Shimano TZ-30 rear derailleur combine for easy shifting and great performance.