By Mike Ivancic

At 49, you might think I’d slow down a little—or as my mom likes to say, “Sit your butt down for a minute!” But instead, I found myself trying something completely new: track racing.

Now, if you’ve never raced on a track before, let me tell you—it’s as raw and pure as cycling gets. No brakes. Fixed gear. One gear, one goal: go fast. The track I raced on wasn’t your typical velodrome. It was a 333-meter grass-and-dirt oval carved into a field just northwest of Lawrence, Kansas. Tires with bite were mandatory, and so was a sense of humor.

Track Racing: Old-School Vibes and New Challenges

The local track community showed up in full force, blending experience and youth with equal parts grit and good vibes. I knew a lot of these racers from the road and CX scene, but some were new faces—and serious fast.

One standout pairing was Scott Williamson, perched atop his sleek Specialized, and Connor Remboldt, whose 1989 rusted steel frame made more noise than a cowbell at a cross race. Both brought serious speed and plenty of wins on Sunday, as we duked it out for the Kansas State Track Championship titles.

Podium Moments (and New Kit Confidence)

Somehow, I ended up on the top step of the podium in two events, and 4th in Cat 4. Not bad for my second time ever on a track. I’ll admit—our new KCBC kit didn’t just look sharp; it felt fast, too (and maybe just a little slimming).

It was also great to share the day with Dave, a teammate, cycling official, and president of the Kansas Cycling Association. Dave’s one of the many people who keep our local scene alive and thriving. I gave him a little grief for having to race me in the 45–49 category, but we both know that’s where the real battles happen. Between his work, racing, and support from his wife Cindy, this family is a pillar of the KC cycling world.

Between the Races

Track racing isn’t just about speed—it’s about community. Between events, we caught our breath while the kids’ races lit up the infield. After the final whistle, racers and spectators stuck around for some well-earned conversation and a beverage or two. The vibe? Relaxed, inclusive, and supportive—everything that makes grassroots cycling great.

Want In?

If you’re curious about track racing or just want to know what it’s like to go full gas without brakes on a grass track, check out localcycling.com. The people behind this scene are working hard to keep it alive—and growing—in Kansas City.

Up Next

There’s a bit of a breather in the KC race calendar this weekend, but the next two are stacked:

• August 5 – Swope Park Criterium
• August 12–13 – Junction City Classic

So dust off your road bike, stretch those legs, and get ready. Whether you’re chasing points, podiums, or just a new challenge—there’s a spot for you in this community.

Happy Monday!!!