Understanding BMX moto sheets and race formats is essential for any BMX rider looking to compete. BMX moto sheets dictate who races against whom, the order of the heats, and how riders progress through each stage of the event. Whether you’re a newcomer or an experienced racer, knowing how to read and interpret moto sheets can give you an edge.
A BMX moto sheet can be confusing to understand – especially if you’re new to the sport. This guide covers everything from BMX moto boards to qualification rules, helping you navigate the complexities of BMX racing.
Understanding BMX Motos and Moto Sheets
Motos are the qualifying rounds in BMX races, determining which riders advance. A moto sheet contains vital race details, including the names of riders, their gate positions, and the number of motos required to qualify.
Moto sheets facilitate race organization, ensuring smooth event execution. Riders must check the moto board regularly to know when and where they’ll be racing.
BMX Moto Sheet
Once all riders are registered, the track will print out a BMX moto sheet or what could be considered a master race roster.
Let’s look at some important entries. We have numbered them to make it easier to understand.
BMX Moto Sheet Section 1: Class
Simply put, this is the BMX racing class of the riders in the particular moto. In our example sheet, moto 4 is for 8 year old Novice Riders. In moto 5, the riders are 11 year old Novices. It takes a minimum of 3 riders to form a class. If there are not, the rider will be moved to a higher age or proficiency class.
For more information on BMX racing classes, read this article breaking down BMX Racing Classes.
BMX Moto Sheet Section 2: Groups
This is the number of groups in each class. In our example sheet, for all 3 motos shown, there are 1 group of riders for each class.
If in one of the classes, let’s say the 8 Novice in moto 4, there were more riders, there would be 2 groups. In that case, moto five would show the second group of 8 Novice riders.
BMX Moto Sheet Section 3: Qualifier
This designates what type of races are held for the class. If you notice, moto 4 is a Total Points race, moto 5 is a 2 – 2 transfer to Main race, and moto 6 is a 1-1-1 transfer to main.
Total Points Race
In a total points BMX race, each rider accumulates points in each round. In this example there are 3 riders, so that’s what makes it a total points race. In a total points race there are 3 rounds. The first 2 are run with the qualifiers of any transfer races on the slate. The third is run with the finals.
The riders accumulate points in each round. First place earns 1 point, second place 2 points, and third place 3 points. At the end of the third race, the rider with the least amount of points wins. The points earned through the races are only to determine the final positioning. Once the points are tallied through the three races, the riders are ranked.
2-2 Transfer to Main Race
When there are more than 3 riders in a class, the race will be structured as a transfer race. There are many different kinds. In this particular race it’s a 2-2. That means there will be 2 qualifying races with the first 2 finishers in each transferring to the final.
Once a rider finishes first or second in a qualifier, they are in the final and will not race in a subsequent qualifier. Points do not accumulate in transfer races. In the final moto, the placements are earned according to how the rider finishes and points are awarded.
1-1-1 Transfer to Main Race
Similar to the 2-2 Transfer to Main Race, this type of race occurs when there are more than 3 riders. The track operators decide which kind of transfer races there will be based on what will make the day run most efficiently.
In this group there will be 3 qualifiers. In each, only the first-place finisher would transfer to the main. The group gets whittled down from 4 to 3 after the first qualifier. The three-remaining race in the second. Then, the remaining 2 in the third. The rider that does not win the third is done for the day.
BMX Moto Sheet Section 4: Riders
Simply put, the number of riders in the class.
BMX Moto Sheet Section 5: Motos
The moto number. This is the number of the race that your rider will compete in. Paying close attention to this is paramount, this is how the announcers let riders know their race is going to take place.
BMX Moto Sheet Section 6: Plate Number
This is the plate number for each rider. All points are applied in the system based on this number.
BMX Moto Sheet Section 7: Plate Type
This indicates the type of plates displayed on the racers bike. There are different plates BMX racers display on their bikes.
BMX Moto Sheet Section 8: Rider Class
This number, as shown in moto 5 as 8N, is the class of the rider. If a lone 7 year old novice showed up today, and was forced to jump class in age, next to his name would be 7N.
BMX Moto Sheet Section 9: Staging/Posting Gate
This tells your rider which gate he/she will be in for each race. In the case of moto 4 it shows which gate for the qualifiers and the final because since it’s a total points race, it’s already known all riders will be in the finals.
In motos 5 and 6, those number are blank because it’s not know which riders will transfer to the finals.
