Interview – Lee Curry

Team ACE is widely recognized as the first official BMX team in the UK, assembled by Richard Barrington, who also helped organize the country’s first BMX event alongside Don Smith in 1979 at Brockwell Park, London.

Early Team ACE riders included the likes of Andy Ruffell, Pete Middleton, Nicky Matthews, Steve Gratton, Cav Strutt, and Craig Schofield—many of whom went on to become the first generation of BMX superstars in the UK.

In addition to these well-known names, we want to highlight other riders and individuals who were part of ACE Racing and share their stories, contributions, and connections to the team—and especially to the man behind it all, Richard Barrington, who arguably doesn’t receive the recognition he deserves in the history of UK BMX.

Derek Curry is a former ACE Team Manager, BMX News and BMX Weekly contributor, and close friend of Richard Barrington during and beyond his years in the sport. We spoke with his son, Lee Curry, one of the youngest Team ACE riders, who—along with his brother Stacy—was highly ranked nationally during the early days of UKBMX.

More ACE Racing to come, as we continue to deep dive into the story of the first British BMX team and the people who made it happen.

How was it riding for Team ACE?


Riding for ACE was great! We had factory bikes and kits provided, and we got to travel all over the UK. We also made a couple of TV appearances on Anglia News and a children’s program called Freetime.

What year did you start racing?

I started racing around late ’79 or early ’80.

Do you remember your very first race? How did it go?

My first race wasn’t even on a real BMX bike – it was on a Raleigh Boxer! I probably didn’t do too well, but I was obviously hooked. My next bike was a Giant, which was very heavy, so I quickly moved on to a Redline. My dad got it from Richard Barrington, who had brought it back from America. I guess that’s where joining ACE began.

What was your local track or favorite spot when you first started?

My local track was probably Eastways. My favorite tracks were Ipswich and Buckmore Park, since those stick in my mind the most—also Redditch.

How many years were you actively racing?

I raced from late ’79/early ’80 until about ’83.

Can you recall your final race? How did it feel to wrap up your racing career?

I don’t really remember my last race, unfortunately.

What was the highlight of your time in BMX?


The highlight of my racing career was reaching number 2 behind Matt Oakley in 1981—I think that was the year.

It looks like you have a great old-school collection of bikes. How many do you have?


I have around 20 bikes in my collection, ranging from budget/catalogue bikes to the ACE.

Bonus Insight:

I’m actually still racing! This year, I’ll be racing at the BOMD3 in France along with Steve Pellowe, Caroline Carey, and Daniel Wonfor. We’ll even be doing sidehack with Steve. Not sure if we’re crazy, stupid, or a healthy combination of both!

Photo credit:

Early days of Lee, shot at an ACE Racing demo.

Lee and former ACE teammate Trevor Shanks with Lee’s prized possession – his ACE bike (162).