A new sound in Thunder Valley

X-Games medalist Pappas ready to elevate Bristol Dragway to new heights Bristol Dragway is commonly referred to as Thunder Valley because of the sounds that come from the action on the dragstrip. On Saturday, May 20, Bristol Dragway will fill with a different noise, as fans react to the ASA Action Sports All-Stars, presented by Hair of the Dog, at Ride Revolution Nights. Crowd reaction should be even more impressive this year than it might have been in the past as the sport has experienced an increase in popularity with stars such as Shaun White, Tony Hawk and Tas Pappas becoming household names. Recent publications such as the Sports Business Journal proclaim that action sports are quickly becoming a mainstream sport in America and Pappas can clearly see why. “Kids today are interested in skateboarding and in-line skating because it’s fun,” Pappas said. “Instead of running around, they get to go fast and do tricks which give them a rush.” Even with the excitement and adrenaline rush of skating, Pappas, a native of Melbourne, Australia, understands that a passion for the sport is critical. “You have to know in your heart that you really want to skate; it’s a sport that you must fully dedicate yourself to,” Pappas said. Patience is another key virtue that riders need to possess according to the 20-year veteran. “Skaters new to the sport need to take small steps in progressing and must remember that it takes years to reach a high level of skating,” Pappas offered. “You have to do it for fun and everything else will fall into place.” Pappas attributes his aggressive skating style to watching his childhood hero, Christian Hosoi, who mesmerized the three-time X-Games medal winner with the height and amplitude of his tricks. After seeing Hosoi skate at a demonstration when he was 12, Pappas left convinced that he wanted to pursue a career as a professional skater. Even though the Action Sports All-Stars demo at Bristol Dragway isn’t an event on a competitive circuit, the former Triple Crown champion believes the experience will be well worth it for the fans in attendance. “You are going to see some good riding,” Pappas said. “You can expect to see the riders going huge and witness the same tricks that you would see at the X-Games.” While Pappas and the other riders compete on the Dew Action Sports Tour and participate in the annual Summer X-Games, the Action Sports All-Stars Tour demo in Thunder Valley will provide fans an opportunity to see the athletes in person rather than on television. Gates open at 3 p.m., while ASA demonstrations start at 4 p.m. Ride Revolution Nights action continues until midnight. Tickets may be purchased on the day of the event at Bristol Dragway. Spectator admission to the special Saturday event is $15. Racer admission is $20. For more information, please call (423) 764-DRAG. Please continue to look for further updates at www.riderevolutionnights.com and www.bristoldragway.com.