On a cold winter day in National Landing, spectators gather inside an underground parking garage, bundled in heavy coats and knit hats. Their breath hangs in the air as they lean over railings and line the ramps below. Then the cheering begins. Loud, constant, and contagious, it echoes off the concrete walls as cyclists take their places at the starting line. What unfolds is the Garage Racing National Championships, a one-of-a-kind event that transforms an everyday structure into something extraordinary.

The energy inside the garage is palpable. Spectators do not simply watch. They cheer relentlessly, shouting encouragement as riders navigate tight turns and steep inclines. Every lap draws louder reactions. The shared excitement creates an atmosphere that is both intense and welcoming, where competitors and spectators feed off each other’s energy.

This sense of community is no accident. Distinctive events like Garage Racing are intentionally cultivated by the National Landing Business Improvement District (BID), which works to create meaningful experiences throughout National Landing. For organizers like Caroline Secrest, Garage Racing offers an opportunity to bring people together in an authentic, memorable, and distinctly local way.

The event’s origins date back to the early 2010s, when the BID, then known as the Crystal City Business Improvement District, discovered a blog post about a race held in a Berlin parking garage. Inspired by the underground cycling culture, the team at the BID launched its own version, the Diamond Derby. What began as an unconventional experiment quickly gained a serious following.

Over time, the event evolved into the Wednesday Night Spins series and, in 2018, into the Garage Racing National Championships. With each year, participation grew, and the race became more deeply embedded in the identity of National Landing.

What makes Garage Racing unique is not just the setting, but the atmosphere it creates. As racers prepare, spectators pack into every level of the garage, creating a wall of sound that follows riders throughout the course. The cheering is constant and enthusiastic, turning individual laps into shared moments of anticipation and celebration.

The cold weather becomes part of the experience rather than a deterrent. Spectators bundle up and settle in, embracing the conditions as part of the day’s energy. The environment feels alive, fueled by excitement, competition, and a collective sense of participation.

Creative elements, such as the “Anything Goes” finale, reinforce that Garage Racing is about more than competition. Participants show up in costumes, experiment with unconventional bikes, and embrace the event’s playful spirit. These moments invite spectators to engage not just as observers, but as part of the experience itself.

Community partnerships have also helped shape the event’s growth. Collaborators like CXHairs and its founder, Bill Schieken, have contributed to its evolution and helped expand its reach within the cycling community. Even as it has grown, Garage Racing has remained deeply connected to the neighborhood that hosts it.

The event reflects National Landing’s broader commitment to connectivity and accessibility. With extensive bike infrastructure and transit access, cycling is part of daily life in the neighborhood. Garage Racing builds on that foundation, transforming it into a celebration that brings people together.

For Caroline and the BID team, one of the most meaningful aspects of Garage Racing is its continued growth. Each year, more racers and spectators return, and new participants discover the event for the first time. What began as a creative experiment has become a defining tradition.

Perhaps what stands out most is how the event makes everyone feel involved. Whether racing, cheering, or simply watching, each person contributes to the atmosphere. The spectators, in particular, play a defining role. Their enthusiasm elevates the experience and creates an environment that is as memorable for the crowd as it is for the competitors.

Interested in getting involved? Caroline’s advice: “Just come out and be part of it. The event is open to all ages and skill levels, and there are plenty of ways to participate, whether through racing, hanging out, or simply showing up to watch. It’s an easy, low-pressure way to meet people, try something new, and experience the energy of the neighborhood firsthand.”

At Dweck Properties, community-driven experiences like Garage Racing demonstrate how powerful shared moments can be. Inside a parking garage in National Landing, bundled against the cold and cheering at full volume, a community comes together. What emerges is more than a race. It is a reflection of the neighborhood itself: energized, connected, and alive.

To catch the next lap of excitement, find all the details for National Landing’s Garage Racing National Championship at nationallanding.org/racing and follow the action on Instagram!