2025 INDUCTEE KARL HINKLEY
Karl Hinkley, 2025 Nebraska BMX Hall of Fame Inductee, is a trailblazer whose innovation, passion, and dedication have profoundly shaped BMX culture in Nebraska and beyond. Born in 1977 and raised in Nebraska, Karl’s BMX journey began remarkably early, influenced by his father Dave, a motocross racer who had Karl riding a motocross bike by the age of two and a half. By the time Karl received his first BMX bike at age four, he was already a natural on two wheels, quickly developing the skills and fearless attitude that would define his career.
By 14, Karl was racing BMX competitively while also diving into freestyle riding – a passion that continues to this day. These formative years laid the foundation for a remarkable career that would leave a lasting impact on BMX culture across the Midwest and beyond. At 16, Karl began traveling to freestyle contests with his close friend Greg Joyce. Together, they attended numerous Hoffman contests, where they witnessed Hoffman’s legendary Big Air.
Karl’s competitive BMX career truly took off at age 19 when he turned professional. In 1997, he placed third at the PIT Skatepark in Rockford, Illinois, earning an invitation from Ron Wilkerson to perform at the 1997 Chicago Warp Tour. The following year, Karl won his first pro competition at the PIT, sharing the podium with BMX legends Ryan Nyquist and Mike Kaiser. Later in 1998, he competed in the prestigious X Games X-Trials Pro Street event in St. Petersburg, Florida. Throughout his career, Karl participated in numerous contests across the Midwest, securing multiple victories. In 2003, he placed fifth in the Pro category of the inaugural Aspire Worldwide BMX Video Contest. While he had been hitting impressive roof gaps for some time, this contest brought his daring style publicity beyond the Midwest and inspired many of today’s pro street riders.
Karl’s fearless riding style earned him the nicknames “Krazy Karl” and “Suicide.” He was one of the first professional riders to compete without brakes, pushing the boundaries of BMX riding style and technique. In 2001, his signature “Suicide Frame” was produced in collaboration with sponsors Jesse Vincent and Andrew Bicycle Shop, further cementing his influence on BMX bike design and culture.
Beyond competition, Karl’s entrepreneurial spirit flourished early. At just 18, he founded “Stolen Clothing,” a BMX freestyle apparel company. Traveling the Midwest, Karl sold his gear out of the back of his Toyota van while competing in BMX contests. In 2005, he produced and released the BMX video Missing in Action, showcasing many Midwest riders.
Karl and his wife Carrie have been pivotal in growing the BMX community in Nebraska. Together, they opened “The Warehouse,” an indoor BMX park in Omaha, in 2002,
providing a dedicated space for riders to hone their skills year-round. It was during this time that Karl and close friend Jason McGinness became the first two freestylers in Nebraska to land backflips, a milestone that sparked their interest in performing stunt shows.
In 2010, Karl launched Nowear BMX, an all-American BMX brand that has since grown into a global presence. Nowear offers American-made bikes, parts, and apparel, and supports a nationally recognized stunt team that has performed at major venues such as Mile High Stadium, the Mall of America, and the Nebraska State Fair. The Nowear Stunt Team recently celebrated its 11th year of entertaining fans across Nebraska, showcasing Karl’s ongoing commitment to BMX performance and community engagement. Karl is also widely regarded as one of BMX’s best announcers, lending his expertise and enthusiasm to contests and stunt shows alike.
Perhaps Karl’s most enduring contribution to the BMX community is the Nowear Compound, a nonprofit organization he founded with Carrie and close friend Cody Dixon. What began as a modest outdoor ramp and trail system has evolved into an expansive 80-by-80-foot indoor BMX park and pump track, complemented by a second building with smaller ramps, three mega jumps, a semi-drop into a 30-foot tombstone, and the world’s largest handlebars. Plans are underway to expand the facility further with a new mini-ramp section. Local Track Director Josh Larson and Professional Rider Sam Bussell were pivotal in the development of the Compound. Located outside Unadilla, Nebraska, the Nowear Compound is open year-round to riders of all ages and skill levels at no charge, embodying Karl’s deep commitment to accessibility and youth development in BMX.
Karl’s sponsors over the years have included Rooftop Bikes, Dropout Products, Andrew Bicycle Shop, Dirtmaster, and Atom Lab. His influence extends beyond his own riding, having supported and sponsored many riders who have gone on to achieve national and international success, including Olympian Hannah Roberts, Colton Walker, Jacob Thiem, Dan “Danimal” Nielsen, and Sam Bussell. Beyond supporting nationally recognized athletes, Karl has inspired countless kids to pick up a bike, a legacy that is truly immeasurable.
Karl’s BMX legacy is also a family affair. His four children—Paxton, Raima, Luna, and Jason—are all freestyle riders who have competed and performed with the Nowear Team, continuing the family tradition and inspiring new generations of BMX enthusiasts.
Karl Hinkley’s lifelong dedication to BMX—as a competitor, innovator, entrepreneur, mentor, and community leader—makes him a truly deserving inductee into the Nebraska BMX Hall of Fame. His contributions have not only elevated the sport within Nebraska but have also left an indelible mark on BMX culture nationwide. His legacy continues to inspire riders and fans across the country and around the world.
