The Hodag BMX Club FAQ page...
Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about BMX racing

Who can race?

Anyone who can ride a bike can race, the youngest classification is 5 years & under with both boys and girls classes. Many tracks have racers with ages ranging from 4 years old to 50 + years young.

Who do I race against?

Everyone will start out racing in the Novice class (beginner). You will race other Novice racers of the same age. If there are not enough racers your age group you will race the Novice racers who are closest to your age. After a Novice wins 8 main events they will move to the Intermediate class. After 25 Intermediate main event wins they will move to Expert, which is the highest amateur classification a racer can achieve.

When can I start?

Simply come out to the track during the registration time at any event during the year. You can start racing at any scheduled event.

Do I have to race every race?

No you do not have to race every race. You can pick and choose which events work for you, at any ABA track anywhere in the country.

What do I need to bring?

Bring any size bike but we recommend one with 20” wheels (or smaller), as that is the allowable size limit in the Novice (beginner) classification. All kickstands, chain guards, fenders, and reflector brackets must be removed for safety. The bike must have working brakes.

What kind of clothing and equipment will be required?

*A helmet is required, it does not need to be a full face, but it is recommended. Hodag  

  BMX Club will have "loaner helmets" for beginners to use. limited qty, first come first serve

*Racers must have long sleeve shirts, long pants and enclosed shoes

What bike number do I use?

When a new racer signs up they will receive a temporary number to use until they get their ABA membership card with an assigned 3 digit number for the first year. A racer earns district points for their finish in every main event they race in during the year. Wisconsin is divided into 3 districts. We are in district 3 (WI03). The points earned will determine the racer's rank in their district. The points season ends December 15 of every year. At the beginning of the next year the racer's number will change to match the points finish from the previous year. If you finish in 50th place in your district... 50 will be the number you use for the next season.

*ABA Rules state that district number plates must have a white background behind black  

  numbers. Numbers must be at least 3 inches tall.

*Professional BMX racers must use a Black Background with White Numbers.

Riders can earn special numbers by going to ABA nationals and other special ABA events throughout the country or Competing in International Competition (UCI) which require special color usage:

ABA Color Usage

*NAG - National Age Group top 10 rank = Gray Background with Black Numbers (1-10 only)

*NAT - National Number = Black background with White Numbers

*RCC - Redline Cup Championship #1 = Yellow Background with a Black #1

*ROC - Race of Champions #1 = Red Background with #1

UCI Challenge level (Union Cycliste Internationale - International Events)

How much does it cost to race?

*Entry fees are $4.00 - $8.00 for single points races, depending on the award that you  

  choose to race for... plates, stamps, or trophy. Families may also qualify for race entry

  fee reductions by volunteering at the track.

Hodag BMX races are sanctioned by the ABA (American Bicycle Association). All Racers must have a membership Full or Temporary (available at the tack during registration)

*Everyone is allowed one FREE trial race with no membership. (at a single points event)

*Temporary memberships allow the racer to race at the track where purchased  

  (expires in 30 days) and can be converted to full membership if you decide you want to

  continue racing.

*A full membership is valid for one year at any ABA track in the USA. With full  

  membership, racers will get a subscription to the monthly BMXer magazine and

  membership card and secondary insurance during events. There are price reductions for

  multiple racers in a family and/or addition of cruiser (24" or larger wheel bikes) class.

*Anyone can race in the Race for Life, no membership required. It is a charity event.

What kind of awards can I receive?

At Hodag BMX there are 3 options for awards:

1. You can choose to race for trophies for $8.00 and are awarded to 1st thru 3rd place

2. You can choose "Saver Stamps" for $8.00. They can be collected and redeemed at

    various bike shops and ABA events.

3. You can choose Plate/Medallion for $4.00 (single points races)
 

Racers are also competing for district points, which are compiled yearly and determine the racer’s number/rank in their part of the state. This rank will become the number they display on their number plate the following year.

You can also check the ABA (American Bicycle Association) website for more in depth information. You can even download a complete rules book there. www.ababmx.com

If you have any questions or would like to volunteer your services, feel free to contact Chuck Oleinik 715-362-1891, or track phone 715-362-BMX1(2691) RACE DAYS ONLY. You may also email overseer03@hotmail.com.