BMX Racing – a brief history and explanation 

 

 

 

 

BMX Racing started in the early 1970s when children began racing their bicycles on dirt tracks in southern California, drawing inspiration from the motocross superstars of the time. The 1972 motorcycle racing documentary On Any Sunday is generally credited with inspiring the movement nationally in the US; its opening scene shows kids riding their Sting-Ray bikes off-road. The sport was a phenomenon by the mid-1970s and soon achieved critical mass with manufacturers creating bicycles designed specifically for the sport.

 

By the early 1980′s the sport spread across the Atlantic and took off in the UK, Europe and of course Ireland. BMX racing in Ireland had a huge following during the mid to late 80′s with National Series races having more than 400 riders, a number we expect to reach again in the coming years.

 

BMX racing today is held on specially prepared dirt tracks over jumps and around banked berms such as the Ratoath Track in Co. Meath. Typical tracks are 350m to 400m long and races are sprints between 8 riders that last about 40 seconds.

 

Since 2008 BMX racing is an Olympic Medal Event , it has become one of the most popular and the most exciting addition to the Olympic movement.

 

 

 

BMX Racing provides a safe and challenging sport for male and female alike. Events cater for riders from under 6 to over 40 years old. It’s clean, exciting adrenaline fuelled fun that whole families can get involved in whether as a racer, spectator or track volunteer. BMX racing has something to offer everyone. Join in!