A. BMX racing was derived from motorcycle motocross. It is held at BMX tracks such as Morristown BMX Raceway. It is designed with a starting gate for up to eight riders. The surpentine track is mostly downhill for speed. It is dirt with paved banked corners and a series of jumps to make the races called motos very exciting.

BMX racing offers a family oriented sport that is fun for all ages. BMX racing is the newest Olympic sport. Three Americans won metals at the 2008 Olympics. Mike Day – Silver, Donnie Robinson – Bronze, and Jill Kitner – Bronze.

Q. How much does it cost?

A. The first race is free to let the rider see if he or she likes it. Practice at Morristown BMX Raceway is $2 per rider. Morristown BMX Raceway is a National Bike League track. Full one year membership to the NBL is $45. Membership includes a subscription to BMX Today. Races are held on Saturday. It costs $12 to race with trophies.

Q. What is the NBL

A. NBL stands for the National Bike League. It was started in 1974. It is the a Bicycle Motocross sports sanctioning body based in Hilliard Ohio. The NBL helps local tracks and organizes state, regional, and national events

Q. What kind of bike do I need.

A. You don’t need an expensive, fancy bike to race. The bike does not play that much of a role in the out come of BMX races.

Sure, having a high-tech, trick bike that is the right size for you can help your performance, but only to a relatively small degree really. Later on, when you get the hang of BMX and have some experience in it, you will probably want a good, dependable bike if you don’t already have one.

You can get a pretty decent, dependable new bike for around $300 or so. If you are made of money, and are sure you are going to stick with BMX, a good bike that needs little or no upgrading, that will last you through all proficiencies ( rookie, novice, expert, pro, etc.) will probably run about $575 or so brand new.

Don’t think you need to spend hundreds of dollars on a bike to get into racing! Just about any bike will do starting out.

When you get better at BMX you might decide later you need (or just want) a better bike.

You can buy used bikes at Flea Markets, pawn shops, bmx tracks, ebay, individuals, and some bike shops, some are really cheap too.

Q. How do I get my bike ready to race?

A. The all reflectors, the chain guard, the kickstand, and any axle pegs be need to be removed. You will also need pads covering the handlebar crossbar, the stem, and the top tube of your bike. You can get pads as well as bike parts and complete bikes from mail order companies such as Dan’s Competition danscomp.com or from your local bike shop.

Your handlebars can not be sticking through the end of your grips. You may want to make sure your bike is tuned up good - check your tires for wear and tear, and make sure everything is good and tight.

You can run coaster brakes on your bike, but I strongly recommend that you don’t.

It’s generally better if you have a freewheel on the back wheel (a part that lets you pedal backwards without the brakes engaging) and use hand brakes that mount on your handlebars.

You can use front brakes, but using rear brakes instead is usually better.

Q. What other equipment do I need?

A. You will need a helmet to race. You can use a full face helmet, but an open face one will work fine as well. You will need a mouth guard if you are using an open face helmet.

It is also required that you wear a long sleeve shirt and long pants. You can get by with about any long sleeve shirt and jeans for the time being though. You don’t need a race jersey or a sponsor to get into BMX racing. A good pair of gloves is also recommended but not manitory.

The track operator will help you out with anything you need, and they’ll usually give or sell you a temporary number plate if you need one. Also, you just need to show up with your parent or a guardian if you are under the age 18.

Q. I’ve got a bike and I’m ready to start, what do I do next?

A. I’d recommend that you show up on Tuesday or Thursday for practice. Practice usually starts about 4:30 PM. It costs $2 per rider. Don’t be afraid to ask questions. Most BMXers will be glad to help you out.

When you first ride the track, take it slow at first - be careful.

Watch how the other riders balance at the starting gate and take the jumps and turns. Don’t ride over your head. You will get the hang of it eventually, don’t worry if you can’t clear jumps or handle the track very well at first - it takes time and practice.

Q. Who will I race against?

A. Starting out, you will be in the rookie class and race against riders your own age. Sometimes at our track there might not be any racers in your skill level or your age. You may be racing people who have been racing a lot longer than you have, or people who are older than you are.

You need to compete in the skill level and age class you are supposed to be in, in order to keep from getting discouraged.

Sometimes at small, local tracks this just isn’t possible. After you have raced locally for a while, you can race state wide for more competition, and ultimately race nationally.

That is where the fun comes in, traveling all over the country, having plenty of competition, seeing friends, and of course, racing. Well, have fun - BMX Racing, it’s an awesome sport!

Q. Isn’t BMX racing dangerous?

A. Parents, this is for you. 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. BMX Racing has the most successful and requested Risk Management Policy of any sport. 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. Is sitting in front of a TV or Video game all day and not getting any exercise dangerous? I think the answer is obvious.

BMX Racing is now an Olympic sport. It is enjoyed by kids aged 4 to 54. BMX provides health and fitness. It provides a great workout. If your child gets distracted during other sports, BMX is a great option. Say goodbye to watching your child chase bugs or kick dirt during practice. The reality of a painful crash and the thrill of the track will keep your child focused during the entire practice or race. BMX and bicycle riding is a fun natural pastime for kids. BMX racing has bee described my by many kids as a roller coaster ride on two wheels. It’s a great way for children to socialize. The kids at our track all support and push each other. There are no yelling parents and coaches. There are no complicated rules, there are two winners, you and your kid.

The BMX Racing community hopes to see you on the track soon. - Remember To Have Fun!