2025 INDUCTEE ROGER FRAKES

Roger Frakes attended his first BMX race as a spectator in 1978 at Spinnin’ Spokes in Omaha and was immediately hooked. He began his BMX racing career in 1979 at the age of 13. He raced that first year only at Spinnin’ Spokes and quickly learned there were many more tracks around and began attending races at the Lincoln YMCA, York, Crete, Beatrice, Sioux City, Waverly and Council Bluffs. His ultimate favorite track was Gnarlsbad Raceway in Omaha.

He got to know and become good friends with Chris and TJ Heyden and would often help them water the track and run the gate during practice on race days. As his skills grew, so did his expansion of races to other states, to larger events, double pointers and national races.

Tim Lillethorup was instrumental in getting him a Co-Factory Sponsorship with Powerlite, and the following year he was sponsored by Mr. Bike, where he raced for his remaining years in BMX.

BMX remained a special place in Roger’s heart. He grew up, got married, moved to Tampa, FL and had two boys. Roger found a track just a few miles from his home where he introduced his boys to the sport at the ages of five and seven. He ended up managing that track as well as running his kids around the country for ten years, making the same fond memories that he had growing up in the sport.

Roger has raced many of the riders in this Hall of Fame and has great experiences and friendships that he relishes because of this awesome sport!