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The sport of bicycle motor cross began in the early 1970's in Southern California. A handful of riders started riding their stingray type bikes off road in vacant lots and fields, not much competition but a lot of fun. Today the sport of bicycle motor cross is sweeping the country and the world. There are over a 150,000 riders of all ages racing in organized races at permanent tracks across America. BMX racing is clean, exciting fun that whole families can get involved in whether as a racer, spectator, pit crew or track volunteer. BMX has something to offer everyone. Races are organized according to age group and skill levels, so everyone gets the opportunity to compete on a fair and competitive basis. Even beginning riders have the chance to race safely with other new riders. All riders compete for awards and ABA points. The ABA points system determines a rider's annual ranking within that rider's district.
BMX racing is a type of off-road bicycle racing. The format of BMX was derived from motocross racing. BMX bicycle races are sprint races on purpose built off-road single lap racetracks. The track usually consists of a starting gate for up to eight racers, a groomed serpentine dirt racecourse made up of various jumps, banked and flat corners, and a finish line. The sport of BMX racing is facilitated by a number of regional and international sanctioning bodies. These sanctioning bodies provide a set of rules for governing the conduct of the races, specify age-group and skill level classifications among the racers, and maintain some kind of points accumulation system over the racing season.
The sport is largely participant-driven with the average racer age of approximately 9–10 years. Professional ranks exist for both men and women, where the average age is 18–21. A BMX "Class" bike is a strong, quick-handling, lightweight derivative of the standard 20" wheel single-speed youth bicycle. Variations include a larger 24" wheel "Cruiser" class.
While BMX racing is an individual sport, racing teams are often formed from racers in different classifications for camaraderie and often for business exposure of a sponsoring organization or company. BMX racing rewards strength, quickness, and bike handling skills. Many successful BMX racers have gone on to leverage their skills in other forms of bicycle and motorcycle competitions. BMX racing will become a medal sport at the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing.
WHAT IS THE ABA?
The American Bicycle Association (ABA) was formed to provide organized racing and give national prominence to the sport of BMX. Under ABA rules of sanction and to give all members and equal and fair opportunity, riders may accumulate district points at any ABA sanctioned track in the U.S. Additionally, a national level points program will be offered for an increased interest of competition.
WHO CAN RACE?
Races are organized into separate girls and boy’s classes, then subdivided into age groups and skill levels. The age groups range from 5 and under, to 51 and over age classes. Within these age groups are three skill levels: Novice, Intermediate and Expert. All riders start as Novices and work up to the more advanced levels by winning races. |
