Pete “Pistol Pete” Loncarevich – BMX Champion & Industry Innovator

Pete Loncarevich, known as “Pistol Pete,” was one of the most dynamic and influential BMX racers of the 1980s, recognized for his explosive starts and competitive intensity. Beginning his racing career in 1977 at age 11 in Santa Ana, California, Loncarevich quickly rose through the ranks, earning a reputation for consistently securing the holeshot. His nickname was coined in 1984 by ABA founder Merl Mennenga, who compared his starts to “a bullet out of a gun.” Turning professional in 1980, Loncarevich competed at the highest levels of BMX during a pivotal era of growth for the sport, becoming one of its most recognizable figures.

Beyond racing, Loncarevich played a significant role in the BMX industry through innovation and entrepreneurship. He co-founded Loncarevich Racing Products (LRP) with his father in 1983, producing performance components and apparel, and later co-founded Legend Bike Co. with freestyle pioneer Eddie Fiola. His career included high-profile sponsorships with brands such as Diamond Back, CW Racing, and Haro, reflecting both his success and the evolving business side of BMX. Inducted into the ABA BMX Hall of Fame in 1997, Loncarevich’s legacy extends beyond competition, representing a generation of riders who helped shape both the sport and its industry.