How to Start a BMX Bike Track

BMX tracks can operate as for-profit businesses or non-profit organizations.

BMX racing is among the fastest-growing sports in the nation with over 270 race tracks and 60,000 individuals participating in races sanctioned by the American Bicycle Association (ABA) as of June 2010. If there is not currently a race track in your area then it could be the perfect location for starting a BMX bike track.

Things You'll Need

• 2,500 yards of dirt
• 8-person starting gate
• Lumber
• Fencing
• PA system
• Land
• ABA membership
• Tractor
• Shovels
• Rakes
• Water
• 2-5 ton drum roller
• Electricity

Instructions

1. Find the land. Make sure the land for your race track has enough space for not only for the track itself, but also bleachers, an announcer's tower, a snack stand, a registration kiosk and enough parking to accommodate the participants and crowd. Either apply for grants or raise the funds to purchase or lease the land.

2. Apply to the American Bicycle Association (ABA) for sanctioning. Discuss your arrangement with an ABA representative thoroughly before making any commitments. Before taking out a loan, consider operating your track as a non-profit organization which will make it easier to get donations and volunteers. Contact local businesses for donations to get your track started.

3. Acquire approximately 2,500 yards of dirt suitable for a BMX track. The best dirt mix for this is loam and clay with a river-silt surface layer. Get a hold of a 2-5 ton smooth drum roller---for compacting the dirt once the track is formed---and an 8-person staring gate as required by the ABA. Purchase or rent a small tractor with a front bucket and landscaping box and get community volunteers to help with shoveling and raking. Construct the race track to a design recommended by your ABA representative.

4. Construct the announcer's tower, snack stand, bleachers, fencing around the track and a registration kiosk in order to have a fully functional BMX race track. Supply your structures with electricity and for your announcer's tower, a PA system. Install track lighting if you intend to have night races.

5. Attend an ABA New Track Operator Seminar where you will receive advice on maintaining your track, tips for successful advertisement and the smooth running of your new facility.

Tips & Warnings

• In exchange for sanctioning and operating payments, the ABA offers insurance, expertise and advice in track construction and discounted track supplies, full-time professional staff and 24-hour customer service and a new track operator workshop to get your business started on the right path.

References

• Parks and Recreation Management - BMX Track Dimensions
• ABA BMX - Starting a track

Resources

• American Bicycle Association