BMX racing is exciting and fun. Don't expect to win your first time out. The best thing to do is attend a few practice sessions at the track before signing up to race. Most new riders will have a lot of questions. This guide will help answer those questions and get you started.

Required equipment....

Lets not forget about protection - some say this is the most important part. The first thing you need is a helmet. The best helmets are racing helmets, which come in various designs to protect your head. We require a full-face helmet, like the one pictured above.  They can cost anywhere from $75.00 to over $300. Luckily Hagerstown BMX offers FREE loaner helmets to riders who do not have their own helmet yet. These full-face helmets could save you from serious injury! These helmets are the only ones that have protection for the back of the head, and the face.

Long pants are a must when racing. Without them if you crash, you will suffer from not only bruises and scrapes but also your chain, pedals or sprocket could cut you! A long sleeved shirt is also a must because we don't want you scraped up if you crash. You wouldn't use sandpaper on your knees and elbows would you? The track surface will act just like it if you slide on it. Enclosed shoes are the last mandatory safety precaution. Although they are not mandatory, bike gloves are a good idea. Rider safety is an important aspect of NBL racing, so you must uphold all safety rules and regulations.

Bicycle Requirements:

You do not need a top-of-the-line BMX bike to get started racing BMX. Your bike does need to comply with certain requirements before riding at the track. The following items are REQUIRED on all bikes used at the track: 12"-26" wheeled bicycle (training wheels are allowed but not recommended) in good mechanical condition, at least one operational brake, Number plate on the handlebars (Racing only). Enclosed grips that properly cover the handlebar end.

The following items are NOT ALLOWED: Kickstands, chainguards, axle pegs, any bolt or protrusion longer than 1/2" that is uncovered, such axle long axles or excessive length bolts on the stem, seatposts etc. Bike must be in safe operational order which is at the discresion of the staff at Hagerstown BMX. The staff at Hagerstown BMX reserves the right to deem a bicycle unsafe due to failure to comply with the above requirements. Riders are not permitted to ride the track if their bicycle fails to comply.

OPEN PRACTICE SESSIONS

Hagerstown BMX holds open practice sessions twice per week; Wednesday and Friday evenings from 5:30 pm until dark. Riders are required to comply with the above rules in order to ride at the track. Riders under the age of 18 are required to have a parent/guardian sign a liability release form which we'll keep on file. Additionally, any rider 14 years old or younger is required to have a parent or guardian with them any time they are at the track for practices or racing. Open practice sessions include gate practice so new riders can get used to balancing/riding and more experienced racers can polish up their gate starting techniques. HBMX offers FREE loaner full-face helmets for those are new to the sport or giving BMX a try. Practice sessions are FREE as well. C'mon out and give it a try!

Racing BMX

Now that you have filled out your membership form, all you need to do is register for a race.

Your First BMX race

So, you're ready to give it a try? You'll need to arrive between 12-1:30 pm on race day to register to race. Local Race fees are $8, State Qualifier races are $15, and the State Finals are $20. You'll be awarded a trophy as well as NBL points based on your placing at the races. All first time riders will receive a trophy no matter what place they get.

Typical number plate

HBMX offers loaner helmets to those without a full-face helmet. Riders will need to have long-sleeved shirts and long pants. You will have to have your bike inspected for safety. You will also need a number plate (one will be provided if you don't have one for your first race) Your bike number will be assigned to you. It's a three digit number (same as the last three of your membership number). If you participate in the LEAP points or the State Points Series you may earn a ranking number that you can use in place of the three digit number that you were assigned.

Typical Moto Sheet 

You will have time to practice on the gate and on the track before the 2 o'clock race time. Before the races begin MOTO SHEETS will be posted on the board under the stables. The moto sheet will let you know what moto number you'll be in as well as what lane you'll be in for each race. You will race in three motos. Listen for your Moto to be called to the starting hill. Your overall placing is based on your finish placings in each moto. If there are 7 or more riders in your class you will have a fourth race called a MAIN. If your class has a MAIN, final placing for the day is based on how you finish in the MAIN.  After all of the motos are completed and the scorers have completed adding up finishes, Trophies are handed out at the Registration Building from youngest to oldest. 

"Riders ready!"

Be careful, as you'll probably get addicted to BMX racing, in which case we'll see you at the next race!