You're new to BMX racing. Never been to the track before. Cool. We like you. Don't run away. Maybe you have visited your local BMX track on non-event days when it is just a city park. Maybe not. This is a quick paragraph about what to do if you decide to try BMX racing. Included is a postcard sized pic summing up what you need to know at any track. Ask questions. Ask to talk to the track operator (TO). Ask the registration person. Find the most dad-looking guy in the crowd and ask him questions. You can bring any bike as long as it has no reflectors, no kickstand, no pegs, no tassels, no basket, and nothing that will fall off of it. A regular bike helmet works. Better yet use a track bike and helmet. If your rider can stand and pedal even better. BMX bikes aren't for sitting. If the sport 'clicks' with your family, do it to it Lars.

If your rider is afraid of the gate it's okay. Tell the gate dropper pushing the button that your rider would like to roll it. Your rider can go after the gate goes down. Eventually they'll have to face the gate.

Registration will finish, and motos will be posted. Motos are posted on paper and sometimes online on the BMX track's website. Motos are groupings of riders based on age and skill. Find your rider's name on the motoboard. The moto will be numbered and named. Remember this moto number.

Have the rider go to the start hill for staging. Staging is the pre-race line up and organizing of the moto groups by number. If your rider is under 7-ish (no one is gonna ask for a birth certificate) you can accompany them all the way to the gate. Ask the person staging them (stager) first though.

The stager will give tell your rider which chute to be in. The chute is like a cattle chute and numbered in relation to their moto.

When it is time to race the stager will then tell your rider which gate position to go to. The gate is numbered 1 thru 8. The rider goes to the number they are given.

The gate starts and the rider goes. After the first round they will have a little time to get a drink and then it's back to the start hill to do it again.

They race a second time. Now it's intermission and typically that lasts 20 minutes give or take.

Riders are called to staging (start hill) for the last race. This is called the main event.

Riders finish racing and collect their reward.

You'll figure it out over the next few races. Don't worry and don't feel like you're alone. The next step is volunteering to help at the track and be the stager, corner watcher, finish line scorer, gate dropper, registration person, etc., etc.