The Basics...

BMX racing is a sport in which bicycles with either 20-inch ("class") or 24-inch ("cruiser") wheels are raced around a  closed course with obstacles and jumps that make the racing challenging for both beginners and advanced riders.  

All racers compete against riders of similar age and ability and the way that riders advance to higher levels ensures that all riders have a chance to win trophies and awards, even at the very beginning of their racing careers.

If your child is ready to race, here's a brief checklist of what will be needed:

- Either a one-day or full-year membership in the American Bicycle Association, the main sanctioning body for races in this region of the country. Memberships are available at the registration counter of any BMX racing track.
- A bicycle with 20-inch or smaller wheels
- Remove reflectors and kickstand from racing bike
- Three pads are optional on the bicycle: Stem (connects handle bars to the fork), cross bar of handlebars, and top tube. Pineview Park volunteers will be glad to provide pads and help you get your bike ready to race.
- Long sleeve shirt; long pants; enclosed shoes (tennis or running shoes will work fine)
- A helmet (Pineview Park BMX and many other tracks have loaner helmets available); a full face helmet is recommended by the ABA and required at many tracks including Pineview Park BMX
- Tighten bolts and nuts; adjust brakes

Your First Race...

BMX racing can seem pretty confusing to beginning riders and their parents so here is a list of the main things to know:
- Registration: If it's your first race, simply get in line at the registration counter and let the volunteer know that you are a new rider and would like to sign up. You will have three membership options: (1) A one-day free trial membership, (2) a 30-day temporary membership or (3) a full one-year membership.
- Novice class: All boys start out as Novice riders. Girls have the option of signing up for the "Girls" class or the "Novice" class. Usually, the Novice class is the best option for girls .
- Your child's Novice career will be pretty short since it only takes eight wins to move up to the Intermediate class (boys) or the Girls class (girls).
- Once registration is done, your child can get some practice laps around the track.
- As practice is winding down, there will be an announcement that "motos are being posted." Follow the crowd and look at the "moto sheets" to see how the racers are grouped. There are three "qualifying rounds" followed by the Main Event. Some races will have a "two moto transfer" meaning that there are only two qualifying rounds followed by the Main Event.
- When only three riders are grouped together, it is called a "total points race." All three riders will race the Main Event and the rider with the best finishes in two qualifying rounds plus the Main Event is the winner.
- When you read the moto sheet for your racer, it is important to remember the moto number and the gates (starting positions) for each round and the Main.
- Except for total points races, the goal is to be one of the qualifying riders in one of the qualifying rounds. As the rider crosses the finish line, the announcer will say which riders have "qualified."
- Once the rider has "qualified," they skip any remaining rounds until the Main Event.
- Except for total points races, the finishing order in the Main Event determines the awards and trophies for that race.
- If your child receives a "ticket" with a number on it, they should exchange it for a trophy or other award.

Enjoy your first race!!!

 More Resources for the New Rider...

BMX racing can be as simple or as complex as the racer wants it to be. Here are a few additional beginners guides to BMX racing:

- The ABA has a "Get Started Racing BMX" site that can be accessed online.  ababmx.com

- Pineview Park and other tracks have an ABA booklet on beginning BMX racing plus copies of the ABA Rulebook.  ababmx.com

- Rich Wielkiewicz, Pineview volunteer and author of Okay, Riders, Set 'Em Up, has also written an introduction to BMX racing called "BMX Racing for the Newbie."

- Finally,  ask questions at your local track. BMX is a fun, family oriented activity and most people will be glad to answer questions about the sport.