Applications Open

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Written by Connor Fields

Major Changes Announced for Cash for Podiums Program in 2026

The Cash for Podiums (CFP) program is excited to announce significant updates for the 2026 season, marking an important evolution in how we support athletes working to make the jump to the professional ranks. 

First and foremost, I want to say thank you. 2025 was a fantastic year for the CFP program, and none of it would have been possible without the athletes, families, ODI Grips,  the staff at USABMX, and other partners who believe in what this program stands for. Since its inception a few years ago, Cash for Podiums has awarded over $5,000 directly to athletes striving to bridge the gap between amateur and professional racing. I am incredibly proud of the athletes who have participated in this program and the progress they’ve made.

It has been amazing to see the program working in the exact way it was intended. In the first year we had riders such as Drew Polk and Rayne Lankford, who are now regulars in the Men Pro final and Jacy Moore who is a regular in the Women Pro final. 

As we turn to 2026, a massive number of CFP graduates are turning pro. Savanna Stokes, Sean Day, Deegan Brown, Ethan Popovich, and Alexis Alden will join the pro ranks! I wish them all the luck in the world as they join graduates Josh Jolly, Jordan Callum, and more in the Pro class. 

As we look ahead to 2026, we are making an intentional shift to better align CFP with the future of elite BMX racing.

What’s Changing in 2026?

Beginning in 2026, the CFP program will no longer use UCI Sunday as the designated bonus day. Instead, we are proud to officially support the ABA Futures class following what was a smash hit in its debut season.

The Futures class has already proven to be an incredible platform that helps elevate competition, sharpen skills, and helps prepare the next generation of riders for the demands of professional and international racing. After watching the impact it had this year, supporting Futures was an easy decision.

And that’s not all…we are also massively increasing the number of bonus-eligible events!

Saturday Futures.

Under the new format, any athlete enrolled in the CFP program will be eligible for bonuses on Saturday at every single ABA futures round. This change more than doubles the number of eligible bonus rounds for the 2026 season, creating more opportunity, more incentive, and more support for developing athletes.

Eligibility & Applications

Applications for the 2026 CFP program are here:

2026 CFP Application.pdf

Download PDF • 1.16MB

The program is open to all racers competing in both Men’s and Women’s Futures.

2026 CFP Details

Eligible events: 

» March 6th Lone Star Nationals - Houston, TX

» March 27th Carolina Nationals – Rock Hill, SC

» May 1st Legacy Nationals (National Champs) – Tulsa, OK

» May 22nd Music City Nationals – Nashville, TN

» July 3rd Stars N’ Stripes National – Akron, OH

» August 7th Great Salt Lake Nationals – Syracuse, UT

» Sept 4th Derby Nationals – Louisville, KY

» October 16th Fall Nationals Hardesty- Phoenix, AZ

» October 23rd Gator Nationals – Oldsmar, FL

» November 25th – 29th Grands – Tulsa, OK

All riders receive CF grips as needed

Discounts on other ODI products 

Bonuses for each Friday at ABA futures rounds:

• 1st Place: $100 

• 2nd Place: $75 

• 3rd Place: $50 

Grand National Championships on Nov 25th -29th in Tulsa, OK :

• 1st Place: $250.00 

• 2nd Place: $150.00 

• 3rd Place: $100.00 

It has been my honor to host the Cash for Podiums program for the past five years. Supporting these riders, promoting their journeys, and helping push them toward the next level has been incredibly rewarding. I’m extremely proud of the success we’ve seen so far…and even more excited about what’s ahead.

Key Dates: 

Applications due January 31

Program riders announced Feb 7 

-CF