Going from Sprockets to 8 Boys

Written by Mel Chambers from Manning Valley BMX Club

THERE ARE A FEW THINGS YOU MUST KNOW

No more sleeping in … ZZzzzz …

If you are riding at an open event or State Series event Mum and Dad may now have to get you out of bed a little earlier as your practice time is now first up and NOT at 930am!  Usually this is 8am to 825am, however you must check each entry form for details.  Please also note that you will usually be in a combined practice group of 8 to 11 years, you’re now running with the big kids!

You need a new number plate!

No more orange number plates for you!  Boys will now sport a yellow plate with black numbers and girls run a blue plate with white numbers.  If you choose to race a cruiser (24 inch wheels) you will also need a red plate with white numbers for that bike (both boys and girls).

Riding up and Riding 2 classes

Except at National Championships, National Series and State Titles, competitors may enter (ride up) above their racing age or ride the opposite gender class equal to or above (but not below) their own racing age. This includes age-on-day and year of birth racing, consistent with the Junior Sports Policy. Please also note that you must race your own age to qualify for the State Series. You may choose to ride your 20” and your cruiser on the same day – if so, you must enter 2 classes and pay 2 entry fees.

Transponders!!!

A transponder is a small device which is attached the front fork of the bike and records your time in each race, sending the information to the scoring shed and being recorded as your placing in each moto.  Refer to the entry form for details of how to hire a transponder at that particular race meet or see the following link for further information as to purchasing one – no transponder means you will not be scored – this also applies at SOME local club race meets as well.

http://bmxau.omnisportsmanagement.com/Portals/41/Documents/10806_911mylaps%20prochip%20flex.pdf

Racing Format

You will be racing much earlier than you are used to – 8 year boys especially ride 3^rd in order i.e. after the Superclass Men and Women so make sure you get to staging as early as possible. All the 20” classes for boys and men are generally run first, THEN the 8 girls are the first for the female classes, be ready girls, it can creep up on you! Again check the race order on the day as there can sometimes be changes to this.

Finals and Final Placings

Where you are used to racing 4 motos only, now you are racing 3 motos and finals, where qualified.  What does this mean?  When you finish your 3^rd moto you must check the following:

1.  Where did I place overall on points?

2.  How many riders were in my class?

Based on the answers to these two questions, you can use the table below to determine if you have made an eighth-final, quarter-final, semi-final or final (top eight are automatically in the final if there are less than 17 riders in the class with the deadman exception noted below). To check against the table, select the No. of Riders in your group, then start at the right column working your way to the left to the Semi-Final column to see if you have qualified.

 e.g. I came 19^th overall in a class of 36 riders:

I am in the 33-40 rider group and I don’t have an eight-final, however I have made the top 20 riders who will race in the quarter-finals – four 5 rider quarters (totalling top 20).  Top four place getters in each of the four quarters go through to two 8 rider semi-finals then the top four place getters in each of the two semis go through to the final.

Make sure you check the race order for finals racing as it can vary at each race meet.

Deadman Finals

If your class consists of 8 riders or less, all riders progress to the final except the last placed rider.  So if you have, say, 5 riders in your class, the top 4 riders will progress to the final and the rider who came 5^th overall on points will not race again that day.  Please be aware of this, as it is an important rule to remember especially in the girls’ classes where there are quite often a smaller number of riders in each class.

Trophies and Prizes

Now that you are riding in a “Challenge” class as opposed to the Sprocket “Participation” class, it is only the riders who compete in the final who come away with a prize, whether it be a trophy or money, this depends on the club running the event. 

Please Note

All of this information is provided to you as a guide only. Details and times must be checked on entry forms and race orders at each event.  Please do not hesitate to also check with any officials or more experienced fellow club members for further clarification on anything you may not understand.  You may also refer to the rule book if you prefer which can be found on the BMX NSW website.

Lastly

Enjoy the sport of BMX for it is a true fun family sport for all ages and all skill levels!