If you are just getting started in BMX racing here are a few tips. 

The best way to start is to come by the track on any race or practice night.  We generally race on Mondays and practice on Thursdays.

Bike
any bike will do to get you started.  To race in the Novice BMX class you will need a bike with 20" diameter wheels or less.  If your wheels are bigger than 20" you will need to race in the Cruiser class which is a combination of all ability levels.

Make sure all bolts are tight - especially the axle bolts.
Axle ends may not exceed 1/4" past the axle nut.
Remove all reflectors/brackets for safety purposes.
If it has a kickstand, remove that as well.
If it has any freestyle axle pegs they must be removed too.
It must have a working brake system (either coaster or hand).
Your handle bars must have grips that must cover/enclose the entire opening on the ends and must not exceed 30" in width.

Clothing and Safety Equipment

Longs sleeve shirt is required.  Short sleeves with arm protection can be used if approved by the track operator.

Long pants are required.  Loose fitting shorts can be used with a one-piece knee and shin guard with a rigid surface.  There must be no exposed skin above the knee or below the shin guard extending to above the ankle.  The shorts must have at least 3" of doubled up excess material.

A helmet with permanent straps. (Full face helmets are strongly recommended.)

Any enclosed shoe that protects the feet.

Memberships

One Day	FREE.  This is a one time membership for one race or practice only.
Temporary	$30.  A 30 day trial membership.  No points are awarded.  Can be upgraded to a full membership for an additional $30
Full	$55.  Valid for one full year at any BMX CANADA or USA BMX sanctioned track.  Points are awarded.  Full members will receive a membership card and a subscription to BMXer magazine
Strider	$30. Valid for one full year at any BMX CANADA or USA BMX Track.  Points are awarded. This licence is for trikers,  half trackers and run bikes.Can be upgraded to a full membership for an additional $30 at any time.
Gold	$100. All the benefits above including special access to the gold members line at National races and monthly race reports will be mailed to your address.

Membership applications are available at the track or you can click here to fill in a form before you arrive at the track.  The memberships can processed through the track by a cheque made payable to Squamish BMX or by cash.  If you choose to use a credit card, it will be processed through USA BMX and charged in US funds.

Categories

Striders (Run Bikes) (Half Trackers)	The striders either start on the last feature before the last turn and race on the track until the finish or they will start on the small hill in the infield and race on the dedicated rhythm section.  Racers are divided into age categories: 2 & Under 3 y.o. 4 y.o. 5 y.o.
Novice	This is where most boy and girl racers start.  This category is for 20" diameter wheel bikes and less.  See the calendar for race fees.  25 district points awarded for a single point win.  Racers are divided into age categories starting from ages 5 & Under.
Intermediate	Once a boy has had 8 novice wins or 5 novice national wins, they are required to move up to the intermediate category.  Novice riders can move up to intermediate at any time before the required number of wins.  See the calendar for race fees.  50 district points awarded for a single point win.
Expert	Once an boy rider has 25 intermediate wins or 5 national wins, they are required to move up to the expert class.  It is the top category for amateur riders.  Intermediate riders can move up to expert at any time before the required number of wins. See the calendar for race fees.  100 district points awarded for a single point win.
Girls	Girls can start out in this category or advance into it once they achieve 8 novice wins or 5 national wins.
Cruiser	Cruiser class is for bikes with a 24" diameter wheel or larger.  The cruiser class is for all abilities, Novice/Int/Exp.
Girl Cruiser	Girl Cruiser is for the female riders on a 24" diameter wheel or larger bike.

Girls will move into the boys category if a legal class (3 riders) cannot be formed with girls alone. Categories will combine to make legal classes so your 5 year old may have to race 6 year olds, etc...