In REDLINE’s 35 years of existence, there have been many great moments - and throughout this year, we’d like to take you back in time to experience that all-time classic BMX race:

Ex-Redline racer Billy Griggs forwarded us this video of one of the burliest 16 & Over Open mains ever. Back in the mid-80’s, this was THEE class to watch. On the gate was the Future Pro Class of the early 90’s - many who were named in that years’ BMXA “Terrible Ten” and many with Hall of Fame potential.
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At the time, Mista Bill was one half of the Factory Redline 2-man team (Greg Hill being the other half),  and he was racing aboard a bonestock Redline 800a frame. Yes - with the 5 inch headtube and all.
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Earlier in the week, BMX Action magazine put up $100 to the first Pro who jumped the gigantic doubles toward the end of the track; to which they were dubbed ”The Hundred Dollar Humps.” Even though he was an amateur, Billy Griggs was one of a few racers who went for ‘em in a race. (FYI: Todd Slavik was the first Pro to cash in on the $100.).
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Doin’ the doubles had set Griggs up perfectly for the last turn to get the inside of the dogleg, enabling him to go from third to first - nipping Murray rider Todd Corbitt right at the line in a 3-way sprint. We asked Griggs to give us some behind-the-scenes view of that event:

Do you rememebr who all was in that Open main?
Mr.Bill: “I can’t recall all eight guys. I do remember 16 and over open being the big showdown. No points - just bragging rights! I do know it was  me, Jamson Hendler (Schwinn), Todd Corbitt (Murray), Charles Townsend (CW),  Mike King (Haro) and Eric Carter (Hutch).”
Who was involved in that crash in the first turn?
Mr.Bill: “EC is the big wreck in the first turn.”
What else can you tell us about that race?
Mr.Bill: “I Got an OK start, but slipped a pedal on the back side of the first jump - which probably saved me from being in the first turn pileup. When I hit the second turn in 3rd place, my plan was set. I was gonna go for broke and jump the ‘Hundred Dollar Humps.’  Jumping it gave me so much momentum into the last turn I still have no idea how my tires stuck.”
And then that set you up perfectly for the inside line of the dog-legged last straight…
Mr.Bill: I just hugged the white line out of the last turn and made it as short a distance as possible. I think TC actually pushed out a bit on Hendler coming out of the dog leg, ’cause what looked like no room at all suddenly opend up just in time for me to go three wide and make the pass.
Back then, those Hundred Dollar Humps were considered pretty burly. What made you decide to go for it?
Mr.Bill:  ”I think I was the only Amateur to clear the doubles in a race. And Todd Slavik was the only guys to clear ‘em in the pro class. I had only done it one time in a open moto that  I was already leading. I really had no idea how it was going to work out when I went for it in the main. Fortunately things went my way though!
Definitely a Classic REDLINE moment, as well as an all-time great race in all of BMX history!
Mr.Bill: “It was for sure one of my favorite and last big wins as an amatuer.”
Sounds like famous Nascar announcer Lenny Batycki on the mic …
Mr.Bill: “I do believe that is Lenny B calling it.”
Anything else to add to the story?
Mr.Bill: “Oh yeah … I almost used (Greg) Hill’s bike in that main because my back wheel got wasted in my 17X main. His set up was so different, I don’t think I could have won the race on his bike. But the Pro main was so close to the Open, I didn’t think I would have time to change rear wheels. We literally swapped the wheel at the finish line and I just made it to the gate in time for lane pick.”
Great story. Great race! Thanks, Billy.  And thanks for all you did for REDLINE in your day.
Mr.Bill: “It was my pleasure. Those were good times, for sure.”