What BMX Racing is?

BMX racing is a fast, exciting cycling sport where riders race around a purpose-built track at a gate and race in age- and ability-based tracks with jumps, corners and rhythm sections. Riders start at the gate and race in age and ability groups. It is fun, challenging and great for building confidence, bike control, fitness and friendships. At North Harbour BMX, riders can start on balance bikes and progress through to experienced racers, with support to help everyone progress at their own pace.

​​​​​​​The skills you learn transfer to all biking disciplines, making it a brilliant sport for the whole family.

GRAB YOUR BIKE

You don't need a fancy bike to ride our track. Whether it's a mountain bike or a freestyle BMX, you can join in. Your bike must have rear brakes (disc or v-brake), and be in good working order. Remove any pegs, stands, or loose items for safety.

The biggest difference between a BMX race bike and a freestyle or street BMX is how the bike is designed and set up. Race bikes are built specifically for speed and efficiency, with lightweight frames and components, and come in a wide range of sizes to suit the rider's height and age.

SAFETY GEAR

To ride safely at the track, every rider must wear appropriate safety gear.

Required:

  • • Full-face helmet
  • • Full-finger gloves
  • • Long-sleeved top
  • • Long pants
  • • Enclosed shoes

Don't worry if you're just starting out—you don't need full BMX racewear straight away. For club nights and beginner sessions, jeans and a long-sleeved top are acceptable. As you progress to regional and national racing, you'll need to wear approved BMX racewear.

For extra protection, we also recommend wearing elbow and knee pads underneath your clothing or race gear, especially for new riders.

HEAD TO THE TRACK

New riders are welcome to ride the track during our Club Nights and new rider training sessions between September and April. The more time you spend on the track, the more your confidence and skills will grow.

Throughout the year, we hold Have-a-Go Days where anyone can come and experience BMX racing. Bikes and helmets are available to hire, making it easy to give the sport a try before committing to your own equipment.

Our club members are always happy to help, so if you're unsure about anything, just ask!

A few simple track rules:

  • • Ride in one direction only – always follow the track from the start gate to the finish line.
  • • Start at your own pace – take it easy while you learn the track. It's perfectly okay to use your brakes and gradually build confidence before riding faster.
  • • Be aware of other riders – look ahead, give others space, and follow any instructions from coaches or club officials.

GLOSSARY

Here are some typical BMX terms that you are likely to encounter.

Moto:  A single race of up to eight riders to qualify for a Quarter Final, Semi Final or Final.

Meet:  A competitive opportunity organised to bring riders of a similar competitive ability together.

NQM:  A National Qualifying Meet necessary to compete at the National Championships.

National Championships: A National competition held once a year at Easter, open to riders who have raced at least four BMX NZ NQM race meets and hold a sprocket or open BMX NZ licence.

Pits:  An area near the start ramp, where riders collect, ready for call up at the start of each race round.

Kiwi Sprocket Rocket: A Junior rider aged 7 years and under. UCI:  Union Cycliste Internationale, French for International Cycling Union 

UCI Age Classification: The age that the rider turns that year. For example, if a rider turns 10 during the year, then his/her UCI Age Classification is 10.

Sprocket Age on Day Classification:  Sprocket riders participate in BMX NZ race meets classified according to their age on the day of the race meet