SO HOW DOES BMX RACING WORK?

BMX racing is an exciting and fast-paced sport that combines speed, skill, strategy, and confidence. Riders race around a purpose-built track competing against up to seven other riders to reach the finish line first.

Understanding how BMX racing works will help riders and families feel more confident, prepared, and ready to enjoy everything the sport has to offer. 

One of the great things about BMX is that there are opportunities for riders of all ages and abilities. Many riders start at Club Nights before progressing to local race meets, regional events, and eventually national competitions. BMX racing offers a fun, supportive environment where riders can challenge themselves, make friends, and be part of an amazing community.

Club Nights

Are the heart of North Harbour BMX. Riders of all ages and abilities come together for a fun, friendly evening of racing, learning, and spending time with the BMX community.

Club Nights are awesome for building confidence, improving skills, and enjoying the excitement of BMX racing. Riders are grouped with others of similar ability, making it a great experience for everyone.

Club Nights are the perfect way to get more track time, make friends, and be part of the North Harbour BMX community.

Race Meets

Race Meets (sometimes called Calendar Meets) are organised BMX race events that bring together riders from multiple clubs. These events are held throughout the season.

Unlike regular Club Nights, Race Meets are official BMXNZ-sanctioned events with scheduled race formats, points, and results. Riders race against competitors from other clubs.

North Harbour BMX members are encouraged to participate in Race Meets when they feel ready. They are a fantastic way to challenge yourself, travel to different tracks, and be part of the wider BMX community.

Major Events

Are the premier competitions on the BMX New Zealand calendar and include events such as the National Championships, North Island Titles, South Island Titles, and BMXNZ National Series rounds.

These events bring together riders from across New Zealand to compete for regional and national titles. They are often the highlight of the BMX season and provide an exciting opportunity to race at some of the country's best tracks against top competition.​​​​​​​

BMXNZ Racing License

Getting a BMXNZ licence is easier than you might think!

When you join North Harbour BMX, your BMXNZ licence is included as part of your membership. You'll need to complete a few details during registration, and we'll help guide you through the process. Once everything is submitted, you're ready to hit the track and start racing.

BMXNZ licences are available for riders of all ages, from young balance bike (Striders) and Kiwi Sprocket riders through to experienced racers competing around New Zealand. Your licence allows you to race at Club Nights, local race meets, and BMXNZ-sanctioned events throughout the country.

Licences run from 1 January to 31 December each year. Because BMX season takes place over the summer months, this means licences need to be renewed around the middle of the racing season. It might seem a little unusual, but it keeps all riders aligned with BMX New Zealand and international cycling regulations.

The good news? Once you've done it the first time, renewing each year is quick and easy!

Racing Classes

Whether your rider is just starting out, joining club nights, or racing around New Zealand and worldwide, there is a membership option to suit them.

In BMX racing, riders compete based on their UCI age. Your UCI age is the age you will turn during the calendar year, regardless of your actual birthday. It means riders stay in the same age class from 1 January to 31 December, even if they have a birthday during the season.
​​​​​​​For example, if a rider is currently 9 years old but will turn 10 at any point during the year, their UCI age is 10, and they will race in the 10-year-old class for the entire season.

            STRIDER

5 years and under

Non-pedal bikes (balance bikes)

                  KIWI SPROCKET

7 years and under

Pedal bikes, non-scored participation class

               CHALLENGE

8 years and over

Club nights and race meetings around NZ

                  CHAMPIONSHIP

17+ (Elite, U-23 and Junior Elite)

Racers aiming for UCI-level competitions​​​​​​​

Racing Categories

One of the unique things about BMX racing is that riders can choose between two different bike categories: 20-inch and Cruiser.
​​​​​​​Some riders even race both, giving themselves twice the opportunity to get on the track!

Most new riders start on a 20-inch bike, but there is no right or wrong choice. Some riders prefer the agility of a 20-inch bike, while others enjoy the feel and stability of a Cruiser. If you're unsure, have a chat with other club members or coaches—we're always happy to help you find the right bike for your BMX journey.

In most events, 20-inch and Cruiser riders compete in separate classes, although some local race series may combine categories depending on rider numbers and event format.

20-Inch Class

The 20-inch bike is the traditional BMX race bike and the type you'll see at the Olympic Games. BMX racing began on 20-inch bikes, and they remain the most common choice for riders of all ages.

These bikes are lightweight, responsive, and designed for speed, making them ideal for navigating jumps, berms, and tight racing lines.

Cruiser Class

Cruiser bikes use larger 24-inch wheels and slightly larger frames. The bigger wheels provide a more stable ride and can feel smoother over the track, which is why many older riders enjoy racing Cruisers.

That said, Cruisers aren't just for adults. There are Cruiser classes for younger riders as well, and many riders choose to race both a 20-inch bike and a Cruiser on the same race day.