Bmx Racing

Bulwell Outlaws - BMX in Nottingham

Bulwell Outlaws is a BMX race club based at the re-vitalised Nottingham BMX track. Back in the 1980's, the track was known as "Bunny's". The name came from the sponsoring bike shop called "Bunny's" which still exists in Nottingham, near the central train station. Way back then, Bunny's was the home track of Dale Holmes. Here is picture of racing at Bunny's in 1984.

BMX RACING

BMX racing has been an organised sport with a governing body in this country since the early 80's. There are currently around 50 affiliated BMX Clubs in the UK alone.
BMX racing will also feature for the first time in the 2008 Olympic Games.

The National governing body for BMX racing in the UK is British Cycling. They host the BCBMX National Series at various tracks around the country and also the annual British BMX Championships. BMX racing in the UK is a family sport that is open to all ages (The National BMX series has an amazing 28 age-group categories!).

BMX races are held on an off-road track, typically around 300-400 metres in length, with a maximum of 8 riders in a race. The start gate is usually on a slope descending into a series of jumps and banked turns (Berms). Races (Motos) last for one lap, first across the line wins.

Most areas of the country hold Regional races, where a rider can enter as a beginner in a Novice class and work his or her way up to Expert when they feel they have gained enough experience. Clubs also run Local races with the same structure. A very big plus for those new to the sport in the Novice classes, is getting the opportunity to win a trophy at every race!

Always take things slowly at first, walk the track without your bike to get a close look at the layout of the jumps and berms. Watch how the experienced riders take the jumps, berms and lines around the track. Use club practice/training and track sessions to gain knowledge of the track and give you more confidence.

The start is the most important part of a BMX race and you need to practice the gate sequence and timing. If you get a bad start you will find it harder, and have to fight your way up through the pack.. not ideal. Most top rider's work on their starts more than any other aspect of racing.

Remember that there is a gradual progression when starting BMX racing, and getting to No.1 is not going to happen overnight..

Safety and Rules

BMX racing is an exciting and extreme sport, but it can be dangerous if you do not follow some basic safety rules.

Replace any worn or broken equipment on your bike before riding.
Always wear your safety equipment at all times while riding the race track.
When racing, always have a full set of pads on your bike.
Be aware of other riders around you on the race track.
Always ride the correct way round the race track.
Take your time and do not attempt difficult jumps until you feel ready.
Leave your riding area clean and tidy.

Like all sports, practice and training to become a competent rider takes time. Your local BMX Club can give you all the training, advice and encouragement you need to get you started.

NEXT: How does a BMX Race work and what do I have to do?

Racing BMX

Around the Academy:

BMX racers hare round a custom-built track

There is a fair bit of rough and tumble in BMX racing

This involves eight (or less) competitors racing around a specially designed track.

The person who finishes first is the winner (duh!).

Race bikes are much longer than other BMXs to keep them more stable at high speeds.

They are also much lighter, to help the rider get faster acceleration.

Race bikes are normally kitted out with one brake (rear) and knobbly tyres.

In recent years, many people have complained that BMX race courses have become too easy, resulting in some riders using mountain bike-style clipless pedals.

Two riders battle for position in mid-air Some tracks have HUGE jumps

A lot of people feel that these 'disco slippers' take away from what BMX should be about - namely big jumps and crazy, overtaking moves.

In response to this, a few 'Helltrack' style courses have been built recently with HUGE 40ft jumps.

Unfortunately, these courses are very expensive to build, so they're not too common.

However, the recently re-vamped track in Chester has been getting some rave reviews due to its freaky, downhill first straight.

If you're looking to buy a racing BMX, some brands to look out for are: Haro, S&M, Huffy, Standard, Specialized, Free Agent, GT, Pashley and Powerlite.

British racing stars include: Dale Holmes, Jamie Staff (who also competed on the track for England at the Commonwealth Games), Dylan Clayton and Neil Wood.

Read all about BMX dirt jumping here