Now 21 years later, a Buffalo, N.Y. resident named Steve Lapsley has started his own contest series for flatlander riders in BMX. At first, the AM Flatland Circuit was geared toward the amateurs in flatland, but now a pro category has been added, and momentum continues to build. Here, as the AM Flatland Circuit heads into Round Four in York, Pa. this coming weekend, Steve sheds some light on what the Circuit is all about.

Courtesy of Steve LapsleySteve Lapsley, Am Flatland Circuit organizer and competitor.

ESPN.com: Not many people know what the American Flatland Circuit is. Can you shed some light on the series?
Lapsley: The AM Flatland Circuit is a series of flatland events throughout North America, This year, there are five events. Riders in all classes compete for points at each stop. This year we added a pro class to go along with expert and master classes. Next year, beginner and possibly veteran classes will be added. Your best three scores are added up for your final year-end points. It's similar to the Dew Tour, or Street League Skateboarding, but for BMX Flatland.

What was your main motivation to do the AM Flat Circuit? To get more pros riding in contests?
My focus wasn't necessarily to get more professional riders to come out to contests, although that is one of the goals. It was, and still is -- how do we create more professional riders. There are a lot of amateur flatland riders in North America. These riders are what drives the sport as well as contest participation. If there are 50 ams competing and ten pros -- how do we develop a system where the top ams move up to pro class? My motivation now is to have an established ranking system in place for all classes of riders. This way there is a clear number one pro rider in the US/North America.

I've noticed that a lot of foreign riders come over to the States to compete on the circuit. Why do you think that is?
I think there are a few reasons. The U.S. is on top of its game right now as far as events go. I think contest placement is a big factor. Having JoMoPro as part of the World Flatland Circuit helped a little. Over the past few years, the U.S. contest scene has been creating really good buzz. The Indy contests the last three years have been huge with the support of Red Bull. JoMoPro in recent years has put up big money. This year, two flatland contests are on the AM Flat Circuit that didn't even exist last year. These are signs of growth that I think foreign riders notice. Don't forget that VooDoo Jam will be back next year also. Keep putting on quality contests and riders will show up.

Alberto Lessmann/Red Bull Content PoolEuropean pros, such as Matthias Dandois, are now making the journey to the states to compete in various Am Flatland Circuit events.

Are you working out different concepts, ideas, and annoyances?
Absolutely. I don't run all of the events myself. Most events on the circuit are run separately. I am learning how to communicate more with the organizers. I take all the criticism that I get seriously. I take notes on what people say to me about the circuit and what their opinions are. I am trying to incorporate the riders views in how I do things. The circuit is for them anyways -- riders know what makes a good event. Some ideas are bad, some are good. But I try to listen to each comment and at least give it some thought.

Overall, how do you think things are turning out?
I think things are really heading in the right direction. I have a few major changes in mind for next year, but more on the business side. I think participation has grown at each event this year from the previous year. This year we divided the AM Flatland Circuit up into the Am Series and Pro Series. I think this is moving forward in the right direction. In some minor aspects, it didn't go as well as I expected. In most ways though, I would say this year has gone better than I thought.

Courtesy of Am Flatland CircuitThe Am Flatland Circuit's 2011 calendar of events.

Any shout outs?
Definitely want to thank God. Big shout out to my wife Christina who has been SUPER understanding and supportive. My whole family really. Like I said, my brother and dad have been pretty influential. Thank you to all the sponsors this year! Pat at Flatland Fuel, Chad at Deco, Chris and Chad at S&M, all the guys at Animal, Brett from Quintin, Joel and everyone at Tip Plus (Primo and Lotek), Bobby at DiversionTV, Shayne K for hooking it up with TONS of Neon Media "Create" to give away, Tony from MTF and Amy at Climb On! Shout out to all the organizers for being cool with me. Terry Adams and Matt Wilhelm for helping with the Pro Series... And of course shout out to the AMFLT crew Joe, Scott, Andy, Todd and Shaun.

The AM Flatland Circuit travels to the Sovereign Bank Stadium in York, Pa. this weekend, July 15-16, for round four of the 2011 series.