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All the information you need to get started in BMX racing in Victoria is right here
What Equipment Do I Need?
Any 20 inch or 24 inch (cruiser) BMX bike will be fine. Remove any mudguards, chain guards, kick stand, pegs and reflectors, for safety of yourself and other riders. Ensure that there are no sharp edges on your handlebars (ie No torn grips with exposed metal) or pedals, etc. You need brakes that work, either rear foot brakes or a rear hand brake. One of the parents or older riders will check your bike for you and help with any minor adjustments.
What Do I Have to Wear?
Long Pants – Are recommended; jeans or track pants are fine. MTB shorts are OK but must be worn with approved type knee/shin guards.
Long Sleeved Top – such as a windcheater.
Gloves – any type of gloves that have complete hand and finger protection.
Helmet – A full face helmet that covers the ears – some Clubs have a spare that you can borrow.
Pads – Top bar, gooseneck and handlebar pads are not compulsory but are recommended
Shoes - you must wear fully enclosed shoes to protect your feet.
Long Socks - your socks need to be long enough to cover you ankles.
How Much Will It Cost?
You will have to join a Club and pay a Membership and purchase a BMX Australia Licence (This is your insurance). Licences cost $62.00 to $82.00, subject to the level of licence, and are valid for 12 months from date of purchase. Day Licences are valid for $15.00 for official club day/night practice or club race meetings.
3 Ride Permits are available for $20 which allow you to try BMX by doing three official practice sessions or Club (only) race meetings at the Club issuing the 3 Ride Permit. If having done three rides under a 3 Ride Permit you decide that you want to take out a full Sprocket or Open competition licence, then BMXA will deduct $30 from the cost of your first licence.
BMX Victoria membership is included in your club membership fee and is valid for 12 months for all open and sprocket licence holders.
Club Membership costs vary from Club to Club.
If you already hold a Mountain Bike (MTB) competition licence, you can take out a ‘value-added’ BMXA membership. For more information contact your local BMX Club.
When Do I Race?
BMX Racing is a year round Sport. Most Clubs run Club meetings on Friday nights or Saturday afternoons, either weekly, fortnightly or monthly. There are also Open Race Days throughout the year, mostly on Sundays. See Race Calender.
Isn’t BMX Racing Dangerous?
BMX Racing has the most successful and requested Risk Management Policy of any sport.
BMX Racing is classified as a contact sport like football, hockey, basketball and soccer. Statistics prove that BMX Racing is the safest of all action family sports.
Riders must wear protective clothing, race bikes that have been checked for safety by officials and race
tracks that have been inspected by accredited officials to ensure that racing is safe for all competitors.
The History of BMX Racing
BMX Racing (Bicycle Moto Cross) originated in Southern California in 1970. By 1976 the sport had found its way to Australia, first in Queensland then spreading throughout Australia. BMX Racing Clubs are now located in every State and Territory of Australia.
Is There A Class for Me?
Yes! There is a class for every age and skill level, from 5 and Under (Sprocket Rocket) to 55+ year old, Male and Female Classes. So Boys, Girls, Mum’s and Dad’s can all compete in their own age class and skill level at the same venue, at the same time. Once a rider reaches 14 years of age, they may choose to race in a money class. Coaching is available by Accredited Coaches at most Clubs or privately for all ages and genders
Race Calender
BMX Victoria Inc. publishes an annual race calendar. This contains all Open Race meetings in Victoria which usually occur on most Sundays of the year. Most Clubs also issue a Club Calendar, some include the Open meetings as well as the Individual Club events.
Some highlights of the BMX Victoria Inc. race year are:
Track Attack - a race series that incorporates 6 race meetings in the last week of January each year. In the past we have had riders from all States and Territories in Australia and some overseas riders participate.
Royal Children’s Hospital Charity Day - a one day event usually held in February each year where all entry and raffle (each Club donates a Prize) money is donated to the Royal Children Hospital Good Friday Appeal.
Victorian State Championships - held over 3 days in November each year.
What do I do next? Check the Tracks page and contact a club near you
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