Race Day Information

WHAT CAN I EXPECT AT A RACE

You pre-register for most races. Typically you get approximately 1 hours of practice time. Once practice time finishes the officials will put up pre-race sheets.

It is your responsibility to check these sheets to ensure you are in the correct age section and race e.g. novice, expert etc.

After the pre-sheets have gone up and any discrepancies have been sorted, the organisers will then put up the moto sheets. These sheets give your name and the  races (motos) that you will be in.

Typically you will see something like this Novice (age group), your name and then a list of 3 different numbers e.g. 3:2, 25:5, 40:6.

This means you are in race 3 gate 2, race 25 gate 5 and race 40 gate 6. There are 8 gates (8 riders) in each race and the races move quickly so you must always keep an eye and are ready for your next race! They don’t hold racing up for you so don’t miss your moto!

When the riders are called up for racing to start go to the pens in front of the container and pick the correct pen that has your moto number above it . If the area is marked off in lanes make sure you go in the correct one for your race. When your name is called tell the pen hill marshal you are there. — Please listen carefully so you do not go in the wrong race!

You will then move too the start in in your race group

The starter will call you to the gate immediately after the previous race has left. If you are not there by then the race may start without you.

It is your responsibility to be at the gate – no one else. When called to the gate position your front wheel centrally in your lane and wait for the pre-recorded start instructions.

a) OK RIDERS—RANDOM START This is the beginning of the starting procedure. If you are not ready to start you must shout “WAIT” or “NO” very loudly so that the starter can hear you—raise your hand as well. The starter will start the call again from the beginning after checking that all riders appear to be ready.

b) RIDERS READY By the time you hear this call you should be in your starting position on your bike—the start is now in progress.

c) WATCH THE LIGHTS. The start will not stop at this time and at some time between 0 and 2.5 secs. the traffic lights will go through their sequence until the gate is released as the Green light comes on – the race is on!

You should race right up to the finish line – many races have been lost in the last few pedals! After you have crossed the line you will probably have to slow down quickly so use your brake but be careful of the other riders behind you coming across the line fast. Clear the finish area as quickly as possible and then “warm down” as the coaches have show you and start preparing for your next race – or the journey home!

HOW MANY RACES DO I TAKE PART IN ON THE DAY?

Must club races are ran  in four moto’s in a “Grand Prix” system where your final position depends on your points from all four moto’s. In each moto you will receive points relative to your finishing position (1st place- 1 point, 2nd- 2 points etc.)

Races with finals Each rider will have 3 races (motos) and your points will be added up – if you are in the first 4 across the finishing line in each race you will go through to the next round.

This could be a quarter or a semi depending on how many riders there are on the day. Once all qualifying motos have been finished new sheets will go up detailing your semi/final races and again you must check and be ready for these.

 

Marshalls & Officials

As a volunteer organization that is dedicated to promoting the sport of BMX racing, we encourage good behaviour and sporting respect from all riders, parents and supporters at all times. Lisburn BMX Club reserve the right to withdraw a rider from the event if the rider, parent or associate is found to have behaved in contravention of the following code of conduct guidelines.

(This will also include notification to Cycling Ireland of any incidents).

All riders must observe these rules and follow all instructions given to them by any Commissaire or official at any time during the course of the event. Normally wearing Hiz viz vests

Every rider must at all times observe such conduct as reflects the ideals of good sportsmanship and avoid any conduct which may bring their self or the sport of BMX into disrepute.

The use of obscene or foul language is forbidden.

Riders using such language will be penalized in a manner to be determined by the Commissaire or official at any time during the course of the event.

A rider may receive an official, verbal warning for certain misconduct.

The first warning issued to a rider at an event carries no specific penalty other than the advice of the warning.

However, the issuance of a subsequent warning for the same, or any other offence on the same day will result in the riders disqualification from the event.

Riders will be held accountable for the actions of their parents, team managers and any other persons in their company at a BMX competition or event.

Any misconduct on the part of any of these persons may, at the discretion of a race Commissaire or race director result in the disqualification or suspension of the rider and the removal of the offending persons from the track area

Full rules can be attended BMX Ireland Rules