Morgan Haupt wins Big Boy Big Wheel Race, Valerie Maas claims e-bike prize
SIDNEY, Neb. — Morgan Haupt raced to victory in the 5th Annual Big Boy Big Wheel Race on Wednesday, completing the 2.86-mile course in just over 15 minutes to earn his first win and the official Big Wheel title belt and trophy.
Haupt, competing in his debut race, was voted the pre-race favorite and awarded a five-second head start. He capitalized on the early advantage, sprinting away from the Cheyenne County Fairgrounds and never relinquishing the lead en route to the finish line near the Soccer Fields on the Deadwood Trail.
“Thank you to everybody that voted for me. I’m actually glad I performed,” Haupt said. “I was nervous.”
The event drew more than 450 registrations in less than two weeks, and 76 people correctly picked Haupt to win. Valerie Maas was randomly selected from that group to receive a 20-inch Rambo Rooster E-Bike from Pedalers Corner.
“Oh my gosh, that’s awesome,” Maas said. “It feels awesome.”
She plans to take her first ride through her hometown of Potter.
The race featured a packed field of contestants, including Erika Revord, Cooper White, Tara Gray, Cassie Haupt, Alex Fisher, Neal Reeves, BJ Juelfs, Regan Hinton and Hunter Arterburn.
The competition was physical, with several wrecks and spinouts along the route. Mayhem was provided in part by Sarah Sinnett, who unleashed motorized scooter chaos, colored powder and water from the Sidney Volunteer Fire Department.
The 2026 Big Boy Big Wheel Race is tentatively scheduled for Wednesday, May 6. Both Haupt and Fisher have committed to next year's race already.
