Cory Heyer

Kansas City BMX in the late 1970s and early 1980s was built as much on miles of highway as laps around the race track. Few riders better represent that era than Cory Heyer, whose weekends were spent traveling throughout the Midwest chasing ABA points, building lifelong friendships, and creating memories that still bring smiles more than four decades later. While Cory earned impressive race results—including a runner-up finish at the 1981 U.S. Gold Cup Championship—he remembers the people, road trips, and families who made those experiences possible just as vividly as the trophies themselves.

Discovering BMX

From an early age, Cory enjoyed bicycles, homemade ramps, and exploring the neighborhoods and trails of Kansas City, Kansas. Using leftover construction materials from his father's work, he built ramps and spent countless hours riding. Everything changed in 1979 when he attended a BMX race at Hill Park. He was hooked. Soon, several school friends—including Kevin Dulaney, Phillip Bicknell, Tommy Garrett, and Bill Eastland—were racing as well, forming lifelong friendships around the starting gate.

Chasing ABA Points

There were no established ABA district programs nearby, so Cory traveled throughout the Midwest chasing points. One dinner stop became family legend after Cory ordered cheesecake. Larry Dulaney joked, "We can't eat there—they don't have cheesecake for Roy Boy." By 1980 Cory often drove himself and other riders to nationals. One memorable trip occurred when Tommy Garrett's parents thought the boys were going to Springfield, Missouri. Only later did they discover it had been Springfield, Illinois. "We lived in a different time," Cory recalls.

Success on the Track

Cory's district plate numbers progressed from 83 to 13, 31 and finally 34. His greatest accomplishment came with a second-place finish at the 1981 U.S. Gold Cup Championship. Before the main event, SE Racing founder Scot Breithaupt gave Cory a simple thumbs-up from beside the gate. Cory remembers it as one of the defining moments of his racing career.

Rebel Racing

In 1982 Cory became a Rebel Racing support rider. After destroying his General Lee frame at the Grand Nationals, Rebel shipped a replacement within days, leaving a lasting impression.

Beyond the Starting Gate

At fourteen Cory began working at Bob & Opal's Bicycle and Lawnmower assembling and repairing bicycles, learning wheel building. When Cory left Bob and Opal’s Curtis Witt joined Bob and Opal’s crew.

The Families Behind Kansas City BMX

When asked who most influenced his BMX career, Cory didn't hesitate. "It has to be my Mom." Although his father played an equally important role, Cory credits his mother with making his BMX journey possible. She made sure he reached that first race and built friendships with other racing parents so Cory always had transportation when needed. Family vacations soon became BMX adventures. After Cory earned his driver's license, his parents trusted him to travel throughout the Midwest. His father routinely emptied his extended Dodge work van so Cory could load bicycles and take fellow racers to events. Looking back, Cory believes both of his parents made his racing career possible. But if he could thank only one person... "It has to be my Mom." He also remembers Shirley Hoyt, the Dulaney family, Lee and Judy LeMaster, Tim Edwards' parents, and Greg VanFleet's mother as people whose generosity created many of the greatest memories of his BMX career.

Legacy

Cory Heyer's story reminds us that every BMX racer had someone standing quietly behind the scenes. Through the determination of his mother, the support of his father, and the generosity of countless BMX families, one young rider from Kansas City was able to chase his dreams throughout the Midwest. His story reminds us that Kansas City BMX history was built not only by the riders on the gate, but also by the parents who made sure they got there.

Career at a Glance

Hometown: Kansas City, Kansas (Current: Smithville, Missouri)

Started Racing: 1979

First Track: Hill Park

Sanctions: IBMA, ABA

First Sponsor: Bob & Opal's Bicycle and Lawnmower

Support Rider: Rebel Racing

Favorite Bike: 1979 SE PK Ripper

Career Highlight: 2nd Place – 1981 U.S. Gold Cup Championship