Barrett Balzer 
It’s not often one sees bike racers wearing a banana costume or using a rocking horse. At the Garage Racing National Championships’ everything race, this is only a small bit of the bizarre costumes that bike riders wear. On Saturday, February 21st, a series of 11 different high-energy races, plus a costumed Anything Goes grand finale, will give 150+ riders a chance to win 2026 championship glory. This event is free for spectators and will take place at the G4 Parking Garage at 201 12th Street South, Arlington. Read on for more about the Garage Racing National Championship and how to plan your visit.
About the Race
For Rob Mandle, deputy executive director of the National Landing BID, biking is his and his coworkers’ means of getting to work. It was common for him and his coworkers to follow races like the Tour De France. One of his coworkers found a blog about a garage race in Berlin, Germany. “No one else was doing it,” said Rob, “We have tons of garages and lots of space available in these garages where I was trying to figure out ways to showcase our area’s accessibility.”
Image courtesy of National Landing BID
The racing began in 2009, with the first race being called the Diamond Derby, inspired by the big messenger bike community and alley cat racing vibes. Over time, it evolved into the annual, single-day event known as the Garage Racing National Championships.
While the races are the main attraction, it’s not the only thing spectators can partake in. Spectators can enjoy food and beverages from local businesses, including Acme Pies, Good Company Donuts, and Port City Brewery, with alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks at a cash bar. Alongside food and beverages, there are bike-themed activities, including Gold Sprints on stationary bikes. This year, there will also be craft stations and other activations for spectators.
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Rob said that the setting is probably the best part of the race. “You go in through an office building, take an elevator down to the parking garage, and when the doors open, it’s just whoosh! into a NASCAR-like atmosphere,” he said. “People are always so shocked when they see and hear the racing up close.”
What to Expect
The Garage Racing National Championships will last from 11:00AM to 7:00PM on February 21st, and will feature a series of 11 races. Spectators can enter the event at 10:30AM, with racers checking in at 10:00AM. Race registration for cyclists ranges from $8-$25, and more information can be found on the race site.
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The event is open to all ages and free for spectators to enter. The event is Metro-accessible from the Pentagon City (approximately an 11-minute walk from the metro). Note: The Crystal City Metro station will be temporarily closed that weekend. Limited on-site parking will be available for free on the G1 and G2 levels of the garage located at 201 12th Street South.
Image courtesy of National Landing BID
The event will conclude at 6:20PM. for the Anything Goes race, which is where you might spot a rider dressed as a banana, or someone riding a rocking horse mounted on skis. “It’s more of like a fun party going around the race course,” Rob said.
Image courtesy of National Landing BID
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