New Rider info
Welcome to Emery Park BMX!
We would like to welcome you to this amazing sport! We are a family oriented track and have riders of all ages as members.
Here are a few things you should note as you start out…
BMX races are sprint-style on bikes that are designed small to go fast. The bikes are meant to be ridden standing up and up to 8 riders may compete at a time in each Moto (qualifying heat). Each race will have at least 3 Motos if there are 8 or less riders in the race category. If there are more than 8 riders registered in a category, finalists will need to be determined by race points during the 3 Motos to determine the top 8 riders. The final race with the top 8 riders in categories with over 8 riders registered is called a “main event” or “main”.
Your rider’s category will be determined by their age, gender and skill. For example all boys who are 7 or who will be turning 7 by Dec 31st, and are Novice will be in the same class/category. (A six year old who would only be turning 7 in December will still be racing in the 7 year old category)
Please note that in order for your rider to be able to race at our track, they will need a current USABMX membership.
Rider Equipment
You will of course require a bike! 20 inch diameter wheels recommended, 24 inch if you are riding in the Cruiser class (see below for sizing information). Please remove all reflectors, bike stands, pegs, bells or other extra stuff before you arrive. Gears are allowed, but not needed and only bikes with rear brakes can be used, coaster or backward pedal brakes are not safe on a BMX track due to the technical way riders navigate the track.
Rider gear must be ALWAYS be worn when riding the track. Mandatory gear includes:
Helmet
Jersey/Long sleeved shirt
Long pants
Flat type running or clip shoes (no sandals)
Novice riders are restricted to a standard flat pedal only; regardless of what 20” class the rider might end up competing in that day. Clip pedals, where the shoe is attached to the pedal are restricted to riders Intermediate or higher in proficiency. No Exceptions. Novice riders must still use flat pedals when combined into a higher proficiency class.
Racing
You will need to register your rider to race each week. This can be done at the registration building at the track before a race (usually for at least an hour).
Rider lists (motos) will be posted once all registrations are received and prior to races starting. It is important that the rider’s information is correct on the sheet. Once the list is posted, please review your rider’s name, plate number, age and class/category. If any of the information for your rider is incorrect, please inform someone at the registration window immediately so changes can be made. Riders will usually be racing others who are the same age, in the same skill level (novice, intermediate, expert) and typically the same gender.
Once any needed changes are made then, the final Moto list will be posted. A Moto is a single racing heat and each rider will typically race in 3 Motos per race night unless there is a “main”. Note how many riders are registered in your rider’s category…if there are more than 8, your rider may end up racing a semi-final or a “main” depending on how they place in their 3 Motos. Each rider will need to check the list for their Moto information The list will show which Moto and which lane, or gate, they are in for each one.
For example:
John Smith 2:3 4:8 6:2
This rider would ride in the 2nd Moto in lane 3, the 4th Moto in lane 8 and the 6th Moto in lane 2
Encourage your rider to head to the staging area which is right below the start gate ramp, no later than 5 Motos ahead of theirs. This will help the volunteers at the staging area ensure your rider gets into the gate for their proper Moto. Parents do not need to accompany the riders to the staging area unless they feel their rider needs some extra help. Volunteers will also be at the top of the start hill to help your rider get into their proper gate.
Once all riders in a Moto are in place in the gate, the gate is dropped and the race begins!
When you buy your first full USABMX membership you will recieve an award upon competion of your first race.
If you are ever unsure or confused about anything, please do not hesitate to ask someone for help. BMX is a sport with members who are friendly and approachable…just ask someone, we would be happy to help you! Also you can click here for other frequently asked questions and answers.
Rider Class Advancement
BMX riders race in 3 classes/categories: Novice, Intermediate and Expert. All riders start as Novice no matter what their age or gender and they advance by winning. It is important to note that they need to win the full race (average 1st place of all 3 Motos) in order for the win to count towards an advancement, not just win one Moto. For example a rider may place 1st, 2nd and then 1st in their Motos. This rider would place 1st overall and “win” that race and that win would count towards advancing to Intermediate. Another rider may place 2nd, 1st and 2nd in the same race. They would end up placing 2nd overall and their one “win” in the second Moto would not count towards advancing since they placed 2nd overall.
Here is what is needed to advance:
Novice to Intermediate – After attaining 10 class wins (of any type of race) or three (3) title wins (National, Grands, Gold Cup Final Sat or Sun, or Race of Champions), a Novice must advance to Intermediate. They can no longer compete as a Novice
Intermediate to Expert – Upon attaining 20 class wins (any type of race) or five (5) title wins (National, Grands, Gold Cup Final Sat or Sun, or Race of Champions), a male Intermediate will advance to Expert.
Girl Intermediate to Girl Expert - Upon attaining 10 class wins (any type of race) or five (5) title wins (National, Grands, Gold Cup Final Sat or Sun, or Race of Champions), a female Intermediate will advance to Expert Girls.
It is the responsibility of each ride/parent to keep track of the wins for advancement. If found to be racing out of class, riders could be penalized/suspended. Need more info? View the USABMX rulebook.
Points System
At all races, riders earn points for their finish in the main, plus points for each rider in their class. For multi-point tabulating, the overall points earned including rider points, are multiplied orresponding to the event (i.e.double, triple or quadruple). A rider, Novice or Inter, combined in a class with rider(s) of a higher skill level will receive the corresponding points from the higher skill level. The overall year-end district standings will be published on-line. The number that precedes each rider’s name will be that rider’s earned district number for the year. Download the USABMX rulebook for points tables.
Rulebook
Click here to download a copy of the USABMX racing rule book.
Please take the time to know the rule book before you attend these events if you have questions on how the event is being run and why events are run differently.
Social