Who Are We and How Did We Get Here
Twisted Racing BMX Team's mission is to foster a positive, family-oriented environment where riders of all ages and BMX classes receive the training, encouragement, and support they need to grow in skill, confidence, and sportsmanship.
Family Atmosphere
At Twisted, we strive to build more than a team - we aim to create a family. Through team activities, training sessions, practices, races, and shared meals, we provide opportunities for involvement that welcome the entire family. We encourage all riders and their families to gather, connect, and enjoy fellowship in the Twisted Pit during races.
"Twisted Racing is more than riders chasing the finish line- it's a family that stands together through every victory, every setback, and every challenge. We cheer the loudest for each other because one rider's success is a win for us all."
Beyond Grateful BMX Mom
How did we come up with the name Twisted?
On January 7, 2008, I was admitted to the hospital for my scheduled Cesarean section. However, the procedure was delayed because another patient required immediate attention. When I was eventually taken back and given the spinal anesthesia, a Code Black was called due to a tornado that had been spotted nearby. I asked the nurse what would happen, and she calmly reassured me, saying, “Oh honey, you’re going to be just fine—we’ll simply wheel you into the hallway.”
At that point, the spinal anesthesia had taken effect, and I was numb from the neck down, completely unable to move. I could not even place my hands over my belly to protect my baby. It was an incredibly overwhelming and surreal experience.
As it happened, the tornado struck Edwards Apple Orchard in Poplar Grove just as he was being born. It had also passed along the outskirts of Rockford before continuing north. Because he was born during the tornado, his first nickname became “Twister.” Then, as if that were not memorable enough, his first birthday was marked by more than 18 inches of snow.
The road to Twisted
Tom and Tina’s oldest son, Jayden (Twister), now 18, first developed an interest in BMX after seeing it featured somewhere and persistently encouraged his parents for several years to let him try the sport. During Rockford Speedway’s “Bike Night,” both Jayden and their youngest son, Ashtyn (Yoshi), now 15, had the opportunity to race their bicycles around the track. Both boys performed well and quickly developed a passion for BMX.
In June 2018, equipped with motorcycle helmets acquired from a cleanout, jeans paired with roller-skate knee pads, roller-skating elbow pads, Jayden’s heavy Haro bike, and Ashtyn’s Meijer bike, they made their way to the track one Sunday shortly after the Midwest Nationals.
Ashtyn and Jayden went on to attend training classes led by Allen (AJ) Geoff, Dr. Heather Collman, Troy Schleich, and Mark Melton. Ashtyn advanced from novice to intermediate in January 2020 and moved up to expert later that same year. Jayden progressed from novice to intermediate in May 2019 and advanced to expert that fall. Both boys earned Rockford Track Champion awards, achieved the distinction of State 1 in 2020, and maintained perfect attendance at Rockford from 2019 through 2023.
The family’s first team affiliation was with Freeport BMX, followed by Rockford Bicycle Shop, and later Fly Zone. Each team experience helped shape their understanding of what they valued most in a BMX team and what they hoped to create for others. In April 2025, Twisted was established.
Tom and Tina have devoted themselves wholeheartedly to the sport of BMX. Tom has worked closely with Rockford, volunteering his time to assist in many areas of track operations. He has also served in roles such as scoring and gate operator at multiple tracks. Tina is a familiar presence at many tracks as well, most often volunteering in staging and scoring.
Ashtyn
Jayden
Create Your Own Website With Webador