Although American born, Amanda holds a dual USA and Thai citizenship because her mother. In 2013, Amanda became a member of the Thai Cycling Association and the Thailand BMX National Team, giving her the opportunity to participate in the development of BMX in Thailand, throughout Asia and to compete around the world in all UCI BMX World Cup Supercross races, BMX World Championships and other UCI sanctioned events, earning nation ranking qualification points for Thailand. Check out this little interview we did with Amanda Carr below.
What are some characteristics you find that differs American to Thai racers?
Well BMX is less than 5 years old in Thailand, as oppose to America where we have tracks celebrating their 40th year anniversary! But honestly, the characteristics of American vs Thai racers isn’t much different, just a bunch of people who are fanatic about bicycles. Of course the culture is totally different, but for the most part a person on a BMX bike on a BMX track have the same goals, jump big jumps and be the first to the finish line 🙂
Where in the world would she (you) recommend a B.M.X. rider to live, who wants to proceed their dreams and get the best competition and exposure? Thanks – Jamie Brierley
Personally I would recommend USA, there is no other country in the world that has over 400 tracks with so many different series one can compete in, like District/State/Regional/National quiet like USA BMX. USA BMX Riders are so fortunate that we have the luxury to literally CHOOSE how serious we want to be about our sport, if you want to race only State Races go for it, or if you want to qualify for the World Championships go for it, it’s your dream and USA BMX allows you to focus on what you want to.
What does your typical day look like? – Nikita Duccaroz
Haha, this is always a great question. Depends on where in the world I am 🙂 If I’m at home in Florida I usually have 2 workouts each day, some days consisting of driving 45min each way to my Coach. Also, I am serving my 3rd year as Charlotte BMX Track President so I spend about 1-2hrs each day doing something either manually or office work related with that, I really enjoy this!
If I’m traveling, to a SX Race it usually goes like this Tues-Travel Wed-arrive/pack/stretch/light physical activity Thurs-Practice Fri-Qualification Race Sat- Race Sun-Fly Home.
If I’m in Thailand well depends on what I’m there for, if I’m there for a BMX Event it’s usually a lot of media, business, and BMX Track visits. If I’m in Thailand visiting family, I’m always doing something that seems primal each day whether is catching frogs in the rice fields or fishing with a bamboo stick haha! Regardless of where I’m at, I’m usually on the go if I’m not on the go I’m sleeping 🙂 I always have something on my schedule I enjoy being on the move.
I didn’t tune into the UCI BMX Supercross in Manchester, but from the twitter updates something happened. Are you ok? What’s a big event like this like and did you meet your expectations?
Manchester was okay, I fell the first round which set me back with 8 points and then laps 2 & 3 just didn’t seem to get any better. My body is fine, just mentally I am super hard on myself so there’s always room to improve. A big event like a Supercross is more mentally taxing than physically in my opinion. I mean at this level we all have the physical capabilities to succeed, so it really leaves the mental state at the steering wheel. It’s hard to explain the magnitude of a 8m/26ft BMX Start ramp with 35+ft gaps down the first straightaway unless you’ve ACTUALLY been to a SX Race, video and pictures don’t justify the size of what SX Riders are competing on. Did I meet my expectations, no, but I rarely do because I set them so high. My goals will forever be evolving.
What’s the best and worse thing about being a professional BMX racer?
Best thing about being a Professional BMX Racer, I would have to say is the traveling. I talk to my friends and family and they always remind me of how fortunate I am to be able to travel the world!
Worst thing: people always asking, “So can you do a backflip?!” 😉
