MECHANICSVILLE, Md. — Southern Maryland BMX is preparing for one of its biggest moments yet as the nonprofit, volunteer-run track readies to host a 2026 Gold Cup Qualifier, a premier USA BMX regional event expected to draw thousands of riders and families to St. Mary’s County next June.
Track operator Greg Wheeler, who has led Southern Maryland BMX since 2017, said the upcoming qualifier is the culmination of years of community effort. Wheeler and his wife, Phylliss, began volunteering shortly after their son started racing in 2011. Over time, they joined dozens of families who have shaped the track’s operations—handling scoring, coaching, maintenance, concessions and special events entirely through unpaid support.
Community Volunteers And Families Keep The Program Running
The entirely volunteer model has shaped Southern Maryland BMX into more than a racing facility; it has become a community built by families who return week after week to support one another. Wheeler said that shared commitment is what allows the track to host major events like the upcoming Gold Cup Qualifier and continue expanding programs for new riders.
“No one working here is paid,” Wheeler explained, noting that every dollar raised goes directly back into the track. “All of the money we bring in goes right back into maintaining and improving the facility so families can keep enjoying it.”
Southern Maryland BMX serves between 150 and 200 families, with roughly 300 registered riders. Riders range from toddlers on balance bikes to racers in their 60s. The facility offers multiple skill levels—novice, intermediate and expert—along with age-grouped racing divisions.
Families and volunteers lead virtually every part of the program, including:
- Running weekly races and coaching nights
- Maintaining the track surface
- Supporting new riders through clinics and training
- Donating equipment, pavilion structures, fencing and picnic areas
- Assisting with concession operations and fundraising efforts
Wheeler said the sense of community is what keeps families coming back. Birthday celebrations at the track, themed races such as the annual ugly sweater contest, and beginner-friendly events—including ladies’ nights and new rider nights—have helped grow participation and make BMX accessible to families with no prior racing experience.
Preparing For The 2026 Gold Cup Qualifier
The Gold Cup Qualifier, awarded through a competitive annual application process, is one of only a few held on the East Coast each season. The event, scheduled for June 20, 2026, will coincide with Maryland’s State Qualifier weekend, creating a high-traffic series expected to bring significant tourism and revenue into the county.
To prepare, Southern Maryland BMX launched a fundraising campaign to replace its aging starting gate. Community members contributed through spirit nights, concession tips and digital donations. A private donor later stepped in to fully fund the remaining balance of the $4,000 gate. The upgraded equipment has been ordered and is expected to be installed ahead of the 2026 season.
Additional improvements—such as new fencing and appearance upgrades—are now underway, supported by a new volunteer track manager and team.
Long-Term Improvements Supported By County Partnerships
Before Wheeler took over as track operator, Southern Maryland BMX had seen minimal upgrades since its construction in the early 2000s. After establishing a working relationship with St. Mary’s County Recreation and Parks, Wheeler began advocating for improvements, submitting annual requests, safety assessments and long-range planning.
The county funded major enhancements in 2018, including:
- New lighting, allowing the track to operate past dusk and extend the race season
- New fencing surrounding the facility
- A new starting gate to support regular sanctioned racing
Families added further improvements through donations, including pavilions for spectators and expanded concessions areas.
In 2024, Wheeler said the county approved additional funding for track-turn safety repairs to address erosion and cracking caused by heavy rainfall. Contractors began the work in late fall and are expected to continue through the winter season. The improvements will help prepare the facility for the Gold Cup Qualifier and ensure the track is safe and ready for the high-volume event.
Trophies By Design Support Helps BMX Families
In addition to his duties as track operator, Wheeler works at Trophies By Design, a trophy and engraving shop located at 21899 Budds Creek Road, Suite 105, Leonardtown, Md. Because of his role there, he is able to produce all of Southern Maryland BMX’s trophies at cost—a contribution that significantly reduces expenses for races and special events.
Wheeler said he is thankful to support the track in this way, noting that keeping awards affordable allows more funding to stay focused on improving the facility and serving the families who make up the BMX community.
A Year-Round Program Built On Passion
While the official USA BMX season runs from Jan. 1 through Dec. 15, Southern Maryland BMX conducts most of its heavy prep work from February through early March. The track typically opens for racing in March.
Wheeler said the program remains committed to offering an inclusive, family-centered environment where riders can learn, compete and grow together. With the track now positioned to host one of the region’s most significant BMX events, he credited volunteers, families and county partners for making the milestone possible.
“Families race together here,” Wheeler said. “You see moms racing their kids and whole families taking the track as a team. That’s why families love it — we’ve built a community that keeps growing every year.”
Southern Maryland BMX will close out its 2025 season with its final December races before taking a short winter break. As the track prepares to reopen in early 2026, volunteers and families are already looking ahead to a landmark year highlighted by the upcoming Gold Cup Qualifier and continued community-driven improvements.
Southern Maryland BMX is located at 26600 Budds Creek Road, Mechanicsville, MD, within Chaptico Park.
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