Corey Philips, 25 Novice

Name, nickname (if you have one), and proficiency.

     Corey Philips, 25N

How long have you been racing?

     I last raced in 1998 when I was 16. I took up mountain biking all through college and am getting back into BMX in 2008.

How often do you race?

     I haven't raced in 10 years.

Other than our track, what are your favorite BMX tracks? Why?

     Cedar Rapids BMX, Lincoln Way Track - RIP. It's the only track I have ever raced on.

How did you become interested in racing BMX bikes?

     I used to build jumps in our yard until my mom said they were too big. Then a friend in Junior High raced and got me hooked on organized racing.

     I rediscovered BMX through my co-worker, Tony Clemenson.

What about the sport has kept you interested and made you want to continue to race BMX bikes?

     I love extreme bike riding and BMX is a natural fit for a fearless mountain biker.

What parts of racing comes naturally to you? What do you feel you need to work on?

     Balancing has always been fairly natural to me. I think I will have to tame my urge to go big and work on being smooth, as I used to land on the

     flatland or on my face :)

What other sports or activities do you participate in? Do these sports or activities help you with your racing? How?

     I LIVE disc golf. I am on the Des Moines Disc Golf Club Board and I am the tournament director for many tournaments including the largest

     one in the state. I also run a weekly league and even have a disc golf tattoo. Disc golf will benefit my focus and concentration on the BMX track.

What are your accomplishments so far in BMX racing?

     I don't think I have any, not that I can remember at least.

What are your short-term and long-term goals in BMX?

     My short-term goal is beating Tony (Clemenson) every week and being able to compete with or at least keep up with some of the youngsters,

     and rock the stage at the DSM regional race and the East Moline national race. My long-term goal is to have all my bones intact.

What do your friends and co-workers think about your racing BMX bikes?

     My mom and fiancée think I'm a little crazy.

Who are people you look up to and why?

     On the track, I will try to emulate Sam White, as I've watched him race and think he's silky smooth on the track. Off the track, I look up to my

     better half, Danielle, and my parents for many reasons.