WATERFORD – Chase and Cameron Janczewski went from picking up a new hobby to flying more than 20 hours to compete against the best in the world at their craft.
“A couple days later we went out to the track and we had so much fun. We’ve been doing it ever since.”
BMX Racing might not be the first sport you think of when it comes to international competition, but the 2026 UIC BMX Racing World Championships in Brisbane, Australia is no slouch. The event is entering it’s 40th year, has over 50 countries take part with a total of over 3,000 bikers, and it begins this Friday and runs through the 25th.
Cameron, 14, and Chase, 15, from Macomb Township, just so happen to be participating, even after picking up the sport while living in Georgia, just a few years ago.
“It means a lot. To see how much we’ve improved from when we first started, we couldn’t jump or do wheelies or do any of that. But now we can get down all the skills and travel around the country to compete,” said Cameron.
The teenagers tried out BMX racing when they were younger than 10 years old at a local track and now regularly practice at Waterford Oaks, a BMX park that has been around for over 50 years.
Local 4’s Joel Sebastianelli caught up with them this week at the historic track, where every Monday night a youth clinic is hosted to encourage kids to give the hobby a try. The brothers make an effort to share some wisdom while also dialing in their bikes to go overseas.
“I want them to know that when you really dedicate yourself to trying to succeed and put in the time, put in the training, put in the work, than you can really succeed,” said Cameron, who will be competing in the 14-year-old age group of the ‘Boys Challenge’ division on Friday, July 24th.
Chase will be in the age 16 group, and isn’t necessarily looking to blow away the competition, but is trying to experience the same joy he had when he first fell in love with BMX racing.
“Honestly, I consider the best thing I could possibly do is just go out there, have fun, and try my hardest. Just knowing that I tried my hardest is all I wish for.”
Learn more about the Janczewski’s story by visiting our YouTube channel: