BMX CLOTHING
Yep, you've gotta wear clothes, naked BMX is not a good idea!
If you're just starting out you're not going to have all the latest gear, but you need to wear stuff to keep you in one piece.
To race on a club day you will need:
This is the one that makes the biggest difference and you won't be allowed on the track without one that's in good condition. A standard road helmet is ok for club days but realise it won't stop you grinding your face. The first thing you buy if you decide to race regularly should be a full face or open face with a face guard (see the Gear Up - Helmets page for more info on helmets!).
If someone in charge at the track asks you to change what you're wearing - don't argue with them ..... they've seen what wearing incorrect clothing can do, and probably don't want to spend lots of time picking bits of you off the track!
When you get serious you might want to consider some of these: (especially once you start jumping; turning your elbows or knees into pizza every week can get painful)
Real racing pants will have padded knees and usually hip pads as well. They'll be tight around your ankles and be made of something that doesn't just fall apart when you hit the deck at speed! (tear-resistant material). They also look cool and after a race meeting smell like the inside of grandad's shoes!
On a muddy or dusty track these can make racing a bit easier .. except if you're always out front! Mud in the eyes usually means the next corner is a bit of a lottery, you'll probably visit the spectators! For both, make sure they are plastic shatterproof lenses, good safety glasses from the hardware shop are usually ok.
Rugby/League shoulder pads can be worn under your shirt. You will usually notice that the old guys racing seem pretty bulky, that's because they've worked out that after a while the ground gets harder and the bruises take way longer to heal! Some riders wear motoX type body protectors, these are ok but should fit well.