Gary DeBacker

Gary Wayne DeBacker (b. October 30, 1974 from Woodhaven, Michigan U.S.) is a retired American professional "Mid School" Bicycle Motocross (BMX) racer whose competitive years were from 1980-1999.

His greatest achievements occurred during his amateur days, highlighted by four international world championships.

Gary started racing in 1979, when his uncle Dan took him to a BMX track in Woodhaven, MI. He took fourth in his first race as a four-year-old.

Once he turned 5, he began to win regularly at the local track, his parents took him to different tracks throughout Michigan.

Gary dominated these tracks rather quickly, and it was suggested to his parents that he try to race the national circuit.

When Gary turned seven, he received his first full factory sponsorship with JMC Racing.

From there, he began to travel the US and World Competing in many national and international events.

Four major influences have been cited as his guides in BMX career.

The first are Jim and Vera Melton, the husband and wife team that started JMC Racing, which they started first as a bicycle shop and later became a factory bicycle manufacturer.

they were Debecker's first sponsor, He said of them:

"Great Pioneer of manufacturing high quality race bikes. The first to manufacture junior and Mini frames to target the younger kids market. Always focused on staying positive, and believe that having fun was more important than winning. He created a family atmosphere within his team members."

Another influence was another husband and wife team that ran a small but highly respected BMX bicycle manufacturer; Joe and Betty Martino of Cycle Craft.

They were another long term sponsor and another quasi family of his:

A second set of parents for all their team members.

Being a member of Cyclecraft was like being part of a family.

They manufactured high quality race frames and introduced the "Gary DeBacker Lite" signature race frames in 1987."

Note: Professional first are on the national level unless otherwise indicated.

†There was no proficiency classes (Novice, Expert etc.) at five-year-old level.

*In the NBL it is "B"/Superclass/"A" pro (beginning with 2000 season); in the ABA it is "A" pro.

**In the NBL it is "A" pro (Elite men); in the ABA it is "AA" pro.

Note: This listing only denotes the racer's primary sponsors.

At any given time a racer could have numerous ever changing co-sponsors.

Primary sponsorships can be verified by BMX press coverage and sponsor's advertisements at the time in question.

When possible exact dates are given.

Note: Listed are District, State/Provincial/Department, Regional, National, and International titles in italics.

"Defunct" refers to the fact of that sanctioning body in question no longer existing at the start of the racer's career or at that stage of his/her career.

Depending on point totals of individual racers, winners of Grand Nationals do not necessarily win National titles.

Series and one off Championships are also listed in block.

National Bicycle Association (NBA)

National Bicycle League (NBL)

American Bicycle Association (ABA)

United States Bicycle Motocross Association (USBA)

International Bicycle Motocross Federation (IBMXF)*

Fédération Internationale Amateur de Cyclisme (FIAC)*

Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI)*

*See note in professional section

National Bicycle Association (NBA)

National Bicycle League (NBL)

American Bicycle Association (ABA)

United States Bicycle Motocross Association (USBA)