Andrew Kirby: Award-Winning BMX Rider

Andrew Kirby, 13, a seventh grader at Tulsa School of Arts and Sciences (TSAS), juggles the life of student and BMX racer! Andrew has been riding and competing since he was 3 years old, and says the opportunities from BMX racing have taken him all over the United States and won him multiple awards.

TK: What is BMX?

Andrew: Bicycle motocross. BMX racing is a sport for all ages. Riders are grouped by age, proficiency, gender, and wheel size. (20” class; 24” cruiser). The track consists of a starting gate, dirt obstacles and a finish line. Riders race in qualifying moto rounds to try to make it to the main race. A maximum of eight riders will only make the main races per group.

TK: How long have you been riding? What made you want to start?

Andrew: Ten years! I started when I was 3 years old. I have loved bikes my whole life.

TK: How long have you been competing?

Andrew: I started competing when I was 3 years old in the 5 and under age group.

TK: What awards have you won? What is the latest award?

Andrew: I have won a lot of trophies, medals, plaques, jackets, backpacks and number plates. I have also held the #1 state plate for my age and proficiency for the past few years. In addition, I recently have won a #1 plate for the Gold Cup in the cruiser class and the #2 plate for my class bike. I travel to nationals all over the United State to compete. This year I have competed in Oklahoma, Texas, Missouri, Louisiana, Georgia, Kansas, Kentucky, and Florida.

TK: Where are your favorite places to practice? Where in Tulsa is the best bike park?

Andrew: In the Tulsa area I practice in Sand Springs at the Sand Springs BMX track located in the River City Park. But my favorite track is Cowtown BMX in Fort Worth, Texas.

My favorite Tulsa bike park is Turkey Mountain (mountain biking trails).

TK: What advice do you have for future BMX riders?

Andrew: Practice and have fun!

TK: What are your other hobbies?

Andrew: Mountain biking, camping and traveling

TK: What do you want to be when you grow up?

Andrew: I haven’t decided yet!

TK: Who inspires you?

Andrew: My family inspires me with all of their continued support to help me achieve my BMX goals.

TK: What is a fun fact about you?

Andrew: My favorite food is steak, I have a dog named Max, and I am looking forward to being a junior BMX trainer at Ohio Dreams BMX camp in the near future.