EXPO

Asphalt Kings Episode 3: Mario and Reggie Clash in Long Beach’s Electrify Race League

August 21, 2024

Long Beach, California transformed into a battleground as the Electrify Race League (ERL) rolled into town for Round 3. This isn’t your ordinary skateboarding event—it’s a fierce competition where riders push the limits on their electric skateboards, bringing a unique blend of mind, body, and technology to the asphalt.

The stakes are high, and the competition is fierce as the world’s top racers battle for the top spot. With their fast boards and rivals like Mario Chacon and Reggie Thomas, this series is a must-watch ride you won’t want to miss.

Hometown Hero vs. Rising Rival

For Mario Chacon, Long Beach isn’t just another stop on the circuit; it’s home. “It’s my hometown dude, you know this is homebase. So it’s kind of a big deal for me,” he says, and that sentiment adds an extra layer of pressure.

Coming off an emotional rollercoaster in Phoenix, where he secured a dramatic victory after a crazy crash, Mario knows that the expectations here are sky-high. But he’s not alone at the top—Reggie Thomas, his mentee turned rival, is hot on his heels, determined to dethrone the hometown hero.

Reggie, who describes Mario as “always the guy to beat,” knows the stakes are high. After securing pole position in Phoenix only to be edged out by Mario in a nail-biting finish, Reggie enters Long Beach with a chip on his shoulder. “I don’t care who’s in front of me regardless of the name,” Reggie asserts, making it clear that his focus is on victory, no matter the competition.

Reggie’s Unstoppable Drive in the Electrify Race League Rivalry with Mario

The rivalry between Mario and Reggie is all about showing who’s the top racer. The two electric skateboard racers have developed a rivalry that’s as much about respect as it is about outdoing each other.

When the rules got more strict after Phoenix, it was clear that the ERL was evolving, just like its racers. For Reggie, these new regulations presented a fresh challenge when his electric skateboard suffered a mechanical issue during qualifying in Long Beach. Unable to switch boards mid-qualifier due to the new rules, he was forced to start from the back of the pack.

But Reggie didn’t let this setback get him down. “I’m going to give these boys hell,” he said, showing the unstoppable drive that makes this sport so exciting.

And give them hell he did. Reggie fought his way from the back of the grid all the way to second place in the main event, proving not only his skill but also his unstoppable determination. “What did I just say? I said I don’t care who’s in front of me,” Reggie declared after the race, his voice charged with the adrenaline of a well-fought battle.

Mario’s A Masterclass in Precision and the Bittersweet Challenge of Staying on Top

But the story of Long Beach isn’t just about Reggie’s resilience. It’s also about Mario’s flawless execution under pressure. From the first heat to the final lap, Mario dominated the track, using his electric skateboard to its full potential.

His strategy was speed and precision. “It felt like I executed a choreographed dance,” Mario reflected, describing the delicate balance of power and control that allowed him to stay ahead of the pack. His win in Long Beach was more than just a victory; it was a clear message.

Mario is racing to keep his spot at the top in a league that’s constantly changing with every event.

Yet, for Mario, this victory feels bittersweet. Many of his competitors are riders he’s trained, like Jack Farah and Jonny Mooney, who are quickly rising through the ranks. “It’s weird because I’m happy for their progression but also I need to make sure that I end up on top,” Mario shares, capturing the mix of emotions that come with being both a mentor and a competitor. As the series unfolds, this tension is sure to add a key layer to the drama.

Looking Ahead: The Road to Glory

As the dust settles in Long Beach, Mario might have taken the win this weekend, but with Reggie Thomas breathing down his neck, the race for the overall points championship is just heating up. With 41 points to his name, Mario holds a slim lead, but as Reggie proved in Phoenix and Long Beach, he’s not going to back down without a fight.

The Electrify Race League moves next to San Francisco at Electrify Expo on August 24-25 at Alameda Point, where the steep hills and sharp turns will add a new level of challenge to this already intense competition.

For riders like Jonny Mooney and Tucker Johnson, who are battling it out for third place, the stakes couldn’t be higher. Every race, every lap, and every turn could mean the difference between standing on the podium and watching from the sidelines.

Whether you’re a die-hard fan of Meepo or Stooge electric skateboards, or just curious about the electric skateboard racing that’s turning heads, the Electrify Race League is the ultimate proving ground. And with competitors like Mario Chacon and Reggie Thomas leading the stories, you know it’s going to be a wild ride.

For more information on the Electrify Race League and current leaderboard standings, visit electrifyexpo.com/electrifyraceleague.

Electrify Race League Championship Dates and Locations

City	Venue	Date
Phoenix, AZ	State Farm Stadium	May 4-5
Long Beach, CA	Long Beach Convention Center	June 1-2
San Francisco, CA	Alameda Point	August 24-25
New York	Citi Field	October 12-13