Pineville's Ultimate Racing Experience!

    BMX racing is exciting and fun, yet to the beginning rider it can seem a bit confusing at first.  Don't expect to start winning right away, because you'll be up against riders with a lot more experience than you.  The key idea is to not give up, because eventually you will get used to the track, and then you will be able to start winning races.  Read on to get started....

    First of all you will need a bike.  Any bike with a wheel diameter of no larger than 20" is perfect for competing in the novice class.  Before going to the track, make sure that you take off your kick stand, pegs, chain guard, fenders, and reflectors as a safety precaution.  Also make sure you tune up your bike; adjusting and tightening bike parts, for better performance.  You will need pads on the crossbar, frame, and stem. These can be purchased or made inexpensively from foam pipe insulation. Now your bike is ready to race.

    But what about you? Before you're ready to hit the track you'll need some safety gear.  The first thing you need is a helmet.  The best helmets are full face racing helmets which come in various designs to protect your head.  Now you're thinking, "Why am I going to pay $100 for a helmet that looks like it was a Star Wars reject when I have a perfectly good normal helmet which cost a lot less?"  It's because these things could save you from some serious injury!  These helmets are the only helmets that have protection for the back of the head, the side of the head and the face.  If you are still thinking, "So what?" then think about this - I saw a crash where this kid fell and had his head run over by the kid behind him. If he had not had that extra protection, "Ouch!  Anyone know the number for 9-1-1!"

    Long pants are a must when racing.  Without them, if you crash, you will suffer from not only bruises and scrapes but 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 sandpaper if you slide across it.  Enclosed shoes are the last mandatory safety precaution.  I hope I don't have to explain why you need these!  Bike gloves and mouth guards are a good idea also, although not mandatory.  Rider safety is an important aspect of ABA racing so you must uphold all safety rules and regulations.  Now that you are all ready to race, lets burn it all the way to the track!

    So you're at the track, here's what to do.  First of all you'll need to purchase an ABA membership.  Go to the Registration table and they'll hook you up.  A full year license costs $45 and gives you tons of benefits!  Immediately after buying it you will be able to earn race points!   You will be able to race at any ABA track in North America and you will get the ABA's official monthly magazine which is crammed full of race coverage, interviews with top pros and hot amateurs, race schedules, and a current listing of district and national points for all to see where you stand against your competition.  You will also receive a membership card and your official ABA number plate.  At the end of season, you'll be able to replace it with an earned number from your district.  On your membership card will be a serial number.  This is your BMX identification number, and it will never change.  You need to memorize it as you will have to use it every time you register to race.  Don't loose your membership card and remember to bring it with you when you sign up.  The nice people who look after getting everyone signed up need to see it each time you sign up for a race.  

    After registration closes, you'll hear an announcement, "Motos are posted."  A "moto" is the BMX word for race.  Go to the place where the motos are posted and look for the sheet with your name on it.  Make sure that the info is correct and that you are in the right class, and age.  This is kind of what a moto sheet looks like:

If you have any questions see the sign-up person.  Also, don't forget to remember your moto #. They will announce your moto to tell you to go to staging.   Now go to staging.  Staging is located behind the starting hill.  The stager will tell you when to race, call your name, and tell you what lane you are in, so listen carefully.  The gate had 8 lanes, numbered from left to right as you face the track. When your moto is up, get your bike straightened up and put your tire to the gate.  If you are having problems, put your tire over the top of the gate. That is the signal for the starter to hold the gate. Now, get ready and good luck.  If all goes well the gate will fall and you will be released to the track.  From here on out, it's all up to you! 

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