What Is Nutmeg BMX?

NUTMEG BMX is the governing body for the four operating tracks in the state. These tracks are located in Bethel, Trumbull, Meriden and Torrington. These tracks all race on different days each week with a season that runs from May through August. The "State Series" incorporates a point system in which, at seasons end, the number one rider in each classification and age group wins the right to wear the coveted #1 number plate on the front of his/her bicycle for the entire next season. Number plates are awarded from #1 through #10 in each class. To qualify for a State Number, you must race a minimum of twelve times at any combination of Connecticut tracks, plus the State Championship race. The State Points Keeper will apply the scores of your best ten races towards your final standings. Three of the best ten can be multiple point races.

What Is the National Bicycle League?

The NBL is the sanctioning body for the entire program. We abide by their rules and regulations. All riders participating in the NUTMEG BMX program, must be members of the National Bicycle League. An NBL membership allows you to race at any NBL sanctioned track in the USA and Canada (over 130 and growing). It also provides you with secondary medical insurance, qualified officiating, National and State point standings, a subscription to "BMX Today" a monthly magazine, a list of tracks and schedules and a membership card.

What Does It Cost To Race?

The NBL membership is $45 00 for a one-year period. There is a 30-day ‘Trial" program for anyone unsure about participating. This cost is $30.00. You simply pay the additional $15.00 if you decide to become a member at any time during the 30 day period.

Each race day you must pay an entry fee at the time of registration. If you are racing for trophies, the entry fee is $8.00. If you just want race for the fun of it and earn points only, the entry fee is $5.00. For multiple point events, the fees are raised accordingly.

There is a family discount available if more than one rider in a family is registering.

What Is a Race and How Are They Run?

REGISTRATION: There are forms to fill out the day you first register with the NBL. Bring a copy of your birth certificate. A legal guardian must sign your NBL registration. If you already have an NBL license, present it, along with your entry fee, to the person at the registration window. Be sure to inform them of your age on the day of the race.

MOTO BOARDS: The motos are your races. They will be run three times. The moto boards are where the moto sheets are ‘posted’. The moto sheets are the written forms with all the information about your class. This includes your race number or "moto number" and your gate position.

THE RACE: After the posting of the motos, they are called to the starting hill. Each moto is run one after the other. When one moto is crossing the finish line, another is leaving the starting gate.

FINISHING : To arrive at the finishing positions for each class, the "Olympic Scoring System" is applied to each moto. 1 point for a first place finish, 2 for a second, 3 for a third etc. The rider with the least number of points for the three rounds of motos, will be declared the winner. In case of a tie, the finishing position will be determined on the basis of the finish in the third round of motos.

Tell Me More About Classes

20" wheels maximum size

Most new riders start off in the ROOKIE Class. Each ROOKIE is grouped in the motos with other ROOKIES of the same age. To become classified as a NOVICE, a ROOKIE must accumulate 15 overall wins. These wins must be in classes, which had a minimum of three, riders in them on that race day to count towards the 15 win total. A NOVICE becomes an EXPERT when he accumulates 20 overall wins in his NOVICE career. This does not start over on January 1st.

There are no proficiency classes for girls. Girl’s Classes are formed simply by age.

There are also classes for CRUISERS. These are 24 or 26-inch bicycles.

If there are not enough riders registered to make a class in a particular age group, the clerk will combine them with the closest age group according to the NBL rules. If there are not enough girl riders registered to make a girls class, the clerk will combine them according to the rules of the NBL.