Entering a Regional BMX Race?
Here’s our guide to: How Race Day works
Here’s a brief guide to how the race day is run so you’ve got a good idea of what to do and expect! We know there’s a lot going on whether it’s you or your child racing, and especially if it’s one of your first races so hopefully this will help!
Race weekend schedule
Practice day (Saturday) – on the Saturday you can usually get a few hours track time in the afternoon at the host club track (this is optional, check the host club and SW Region pages for full details).
Race day
Aim to arrive by 9:00am or earlier so you can park your vehicle and head to the track with your club to set up (gazebo and chairs) and get your gear and bike ready. Set up with your club under their gazebo!
Sign-in at the SW Region desk/gazebo between 9:00-11:00am, earlier the better.
If you’ve pre-registered online ensure you have your race plate and transponder on your bike ready to sign-in.
If you’re registering on the day, be ready with rider details and payment for what you need (entry fee and/or transponder).
Practise on the track is between 9:30am and 11:30am. Age 12 and under 9:30-10:15 and age 13 and over 10:20-11:00. Get some full laps in, gate starts, practise some sections, and get warmed up and focused!
Racing usually starts around 11:30am/12:00noon (this can vary)!
We will post full race day details the week prior to the race weekend.
How the races work
You will need to look on the ‘our sqorz’ website for the event (ie South West BMX Association and then the race Llynfi BMX Club round 5) and then you can find your name and age category, here will be the details of your races – MOTO’s and finals, as well as your results for each race.
https://our.sqorz.com/org/swbmx
Races (MOTO’s and Finals)
MOTO’s and Finals are listed on ‘our sqorz’ with two numbers, ie race 1 is 12:5, this means your in race 12 and lane 5 for your first race, and then you can see what race and lane you’re in for your second and third race (MOTO) as well as your semi final (if there is one) and your race final!
Invest in a roll of masking tape & a sharpie pen (other permanent pens are available) to write your motos and gates (ie 12:5 etc) and stick them on the back of your race plate.
You will need to get to your race at least 10 races in advance (this is important so you don’t miss your race), so if your race 12 arrive when race 2 is taking place and join the pen. This allows you time to filter into the pen and be ready for your race which follows. You don’t want to miss your race.
The pen marshall will then check you’re in the correct race and confirm your lane.
You will have around 20 minutes between races, but this could vary with either more or less time, so be aware of what race is running so you know when your race is approaching!
If you are unable to hear what moto it is on the track, you can check Sqorz by scrolling down to the bottom of the the main page of the specific round and you will see the progress of the racing so far with live updates.
Additional info to consider
Club gazebo
We will have our Llynfi club gazebo on the day at the track, please help with setting up! Suggested that parents/carers/supporters bring a chair. Please remember the gazebo is primarily for the riders but if there’s space your welcome to get under the canvas, so if the weather isn’t looking good – rain (or is looking too good – sun), then bring an umbrella and/or suncream!!!
Payment
Cash at most clubs with some offering card payment, you can pay the SW Region for entry etc via card, and the trade stalls can vary!
Food and refreshments
Either bring your own or you can buy from the host club who will have a range of hot and cold food, drinks and snacks and even lollies (and this supports the host club).
Hydration
Bring plenty to drink through the day as there’s lots of practise and races (especially if it’s a warm day)!
Car/van parking
This can vary from on-site parking along side the track to parking in a local car park or nearby field with a few minutes walk. The fee for parking can vary from a few quid at the club to more if it’s a local authority car park. Look at the host club page for caravan parking and overnight camping stays!
Bike parts
On the day there is usually a trade stall of a BMX Race shop (such as Green Machine or Crucial BMX) to purchase any last minute parts or if something goes wrong!
Clothing
Bring weather appropriate clothing for between races and for changing at the end of the day! Consider warm jackets and spare jersey or sun-hats and suncream!!!
Raffle
There usually a club raffle on the day to help support the host club with fantastic prizes.
Waste
Keep your gazebo clean, it’s best to just take it home with you and dispose of, saves the host club disposing of multiple waste bags and you can recycle it!
Track etiquette
BMX racing is a very family oriented and supportive sport, please support and cheer your fellow club riders and show respect towards other club riders. We’re all there for the same reason to enjoy BMX racing, develop and be competitive! Make it a fun day!
Important
Volunteers run the event, from the host club, the SW Region, and from Llynfi BMX Club, so please be patient and respectful as everyone is doing their best to make it a great race day event and enjoyable for all!
Race updates and more info
Check the South West BMX Region page and the host BMX club page for info and updates leading up to and on the day of the specified round of racing!
Anything else?
Any other questions just see us trackside at Llynfi Track or drop us a message.