Heartland BMX appreciates all that you do!
Nissan
Capps Bike Shop
J&K Awards
United Rentals
H&R Block
Well fellow BMXers, summer is no longer upon us (thank the Lord), and fall is here! We will now be smoothly transitioning into our fall schedule:
Wednesday: practice 6-8pm
Saturday: Race sign ins 5-6pm
We look forward to seeing everyone at the track, you bring your sweaters and we’ll bring the hot chocolate!
*Something to note….if we rain out on Saturday, we will have a make up race the following Sunday 
HEARTLAND BMX INC BYLAWS
Section 1. Purpose
The purpose of the Heartland BMX Support Group is to promote and assist BMX racing in Topeka, Kansas and specifically to promote, assist, and encourage racing at Heartland BMX, Inc.
Section 2. Membership
American Bicycle Association members in the “KS01” district are considered members of the Heartland BMX Support Group. For voting purposes, each minor will be represented by one parent or guardian.
When you are a member of the Support Group it gives you nomination/voting privileges for the Secretary, Track Foreman, Race Facilitator and Track Promoter positions and voting on facility improvements, multi-point race awards, fundraising, and scheduling questions.
Heartland BMX, Inc. is an equal opportunity organization affiliated with the American Bicycle Association. Heartland BMX, Inc. includes all racers regardless of religion, sex, race, color, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, disability or age.
Section 3. Meetings
There will be a minimum of 3 scheduled meetings held each year in which we discuss the operations of Heartland BMX, Inc. This is your opportunity to express your ideas and opinions concerning general track operation. Meeting dates and places will be announced at least 2 weeks in advance. At the discretion of the Board, other meetings may be scheduled without 2 weeks prior notification.
Section 4. Board of Directors
Following the State of Kansas not-for-profit statutes, the Track Operator/President, Vice President/Treasurer and Secretary will make up the Board of Directors. The Board of Directors shall take such action as deemed appropriate to further the purpose of the organization.
All Board Members are expected to be present at all BMX functions. If a Board Member is unable to be present at a BMX function, they must give prior notification to the other Board Members, (this is considered an excused absence.) Any Board Member with 2 consecutive unexcused absences may be replaced by a majority vote of the board and officers.
Track Operator/President: Person appointed by the American Bicycle Association and responsible to the ABA for all sanctioned events. The Track Operator will also be the contact for the City, State and/or any other place where a signature is required to approve BMX racing/promotion for Heartland BMX, Inc. The Track Operator will also hold the office of President of the Heartland BMX Support Group. Other duties include chairing Support Group meetings, oversees race registration, fundraisers, and trophy/award ordering and pickup unless another person is appointed to do so by the Track Operator. This person will have a valid contract with the ABA to operate the track.
Vice President/Treasurer: Person responsible for Heartland BMX accounting. Will be the second required person, in addition to the Track Operator, to sign checks. This position also serves as the Head Scorer. The Track Operator appoints this position.
Secretary: Person responsible for minutes of the support group meetings. Person responsible for coordinating track officials for each race and practice. This is an elected position to the Board of Directors.
Track Foreman: Oversees general care and maintenance of the track, scheduling and supervising of workdays, coordinates with the Board of Directors regarding the availability of funds and race/practice schedules to avoid schedule conflicts. This position is also responsible for appointing a Head Track Official for each sanctioned event.
Section 5. Guidelines
It is the responsibility of all Board Members to know and enforce all ABA and Heartland BMX rules and regulations.
Section 6. Bylaws
Bylaws will be available upon request at the track or can be viewed and printed from the tracks website at www.heartlandbmx.org
Section 7. Termination
Upon the termination of the organization, any remaining funds or property shall be distributed to an organization supporting BMX racing as determined by the Board of Directors.
Amended and Approved 3/21/08
WHAT IS BMX?
The sport of bicycle moto cross began in the early 1970’s in Southern California. A handful of riders started riding their stingray type bikes off road in vacant lots and fields, not much competition but a lot of fun. Today the sport of bicycle moto cross is sweeping the country and the world. There are over a 150,000 riders of all ages racing in organized races at permanent tracks across America. BMX racing is clean, exciting fun that whole families can get involved in whether as a racer, spectator, pit crew or track volunteer. BMX has something to offer everyone. Races are organized according to age group and skill levels, so everyone gets the opportunity to compete on a fair and competitive basis. Even beginning riders have the chance to race safely with other new riders. All riders compete for awards and ABA points. The ABA points system determines a rider’s annual ranking within that rider’s district.
What is the ABA?
The American Bicycle Association (ABA) was formed to provide organized racing and give national prominence to the sport of BMX. Under ABA rules of sanction and to give all members and equal and fair opportunity, riders may accumulate district points at any ABA sanctioned track in the U.S. Additionally, a national level points program will be offered for an increased interest of competition.
Who can race?
Races are organized into separate girls and boys classes, then subdivided into age groups and skill levels. The age groups range from 5 and Under, to 51 and Over age classes. Within these age groups are three skill levels: Novice, Intermediate and Expert. All riders start as Novices and work up to the more advanced levels by winning races.
ABA Membership?
Every rider practicing or competing on any ABA sanctioned track must attain prior ABA membership. Memberships can be purchased at the track. There are three types of memberships available which are as follows:
One Day: The ABA offers a one day trial membership for free! This membership is intended ONLY for new riders to the sport and is valid for 1 day ONLY. A rider may use this ‘one day’ membership only one time in their BMX career. This membership allows riders to compete at single point races ONLY, yet no ABA points will be awarded and provides you with no medical insurance coverage. Race fees may apply. Minors need a parent or guardian to sign permission form.
Temporary: The ABA offers a trial membership for $25. This membership is intended ONLY for new riders to the sport and is valid for 30 days ONLY. A rider may hold a temporary membership only one time in their BMX career. This membership allows riders to compete at single point races ONLY, yet no ABA points will be awarded and provides you with no medical insurance coverage. If within the 30 day period the rider wishes to become a full (annual) member, there will be a $25 Temporary Conversion fee, with the initial $25 Temporary fee also being applied toward the fullmembership fee, with presentation of the temporary membership receipt. Race fees may apply. Minors need a parent or guardian to sign permission form.
Full (Annual): A full membership costs only $45 and is valid for 1 full year at any ABA sanctioned event in the U.S. Points will be awarded to all riders competing in any ABA sanctioned race with those points returning to each rider’s home district. Full membership riders will receive the monthly publication of the BMXer magazine and all pertinent information mailings. Also, each rider will receive a current rulebook and official membership card. Race fees may apply. Minors need a parent or guardian to sign permission form.
What does it cost to race?
Once you have become an ABA member, the only other cost will be the race day entry fee. The entry fee entitles you to be a participant in the day’s action. A typical BMX race includes 3 qualifying motos along with a main event. In the main event, you race for awards, determined by
your finish, along with the precious ABA points.
Where can I race?
The ABA has over 200 tracks nationwide! Chances are there is one near you. Contact Heartland BMX at (785) 271-1BMX or call the ABA at (480) 961-1903 and ask for the track nearest you.
How can I get started?
Simply visit your local track during the practice or racing times and ask for a membership application or information. You can watch the races, talk to other BMX families, or give it a try yourself.
What equipment do I need?
- First, a helmet is required, and the ABA highly recommends one with fullface protection. Most ABA tracks have “loaner” helmets for beginners to use. A lot of times, a good inexpensive helmet can be found at garage sales or in the pit area of your local BMX track.
- Long sleeve shirt.
- Long pants.
- Any tennis shoe is sufficient.
What kind of bike do I need?
BMX racing does not require a lot of expensive equipment. Most racers start with their 20″ street bike and make the following REQUIRED modifications:
- Make sure all bolts are tight especially your axle bolts and stem bolts.
- All reflectors must be removed for safety purposes.
- If your bike has a kickstand, it must be taken off.
- The ABA recommends three pads covering the crossbar of your handlebars; covering the handlebar stem (or gooseneck); and on the top tube of your frame.
- You’ll also need a number plate. Most ABA tracks will supply you with temporary plate when you sign up. If not, a simple paper plate will do. You will also be assigned a temporary number at the track.
Mondays: Practice 7-9pm
Wednesdays: Race sign ins 7-8pm
HEARTLAND BMX - CRESTVIEW PARK
4801 SW Shunga Drive, Topeka, KS 66614
785.271.1BMX (1269)
Join us on Facebook!
Mike and Margy Walter Walter4760@cox.net
Heartland BMX is operated by Heartland BMX, Inc.,
a Kansas not-for-profit corporation.
We rely entirely upon the generosity of its sponsors and entry fees to provide young people with the opportunity to participate in what is one of the greatest individual sports today.
Bicycle Motocross Racing.
Your generosity will help provide a racing facility which is designed and operated as to create a positive competitive experience designed to bolster a young persons self esteem and self confidence.
Nobody sits the bench in BMX!
Our “Friends of the Track” Sponsorship Program is one of our most important fundraising programs. It allows a sponsor the opportunity to support BMX racing at Heartland BMX at an affordable level and at the same time gives the sponsor a valuable advertising oportunity at each ABA sanctioned race throughout the racing season. In exchange for your contribution, Heartland BMX, Inc. will provide your company with the advertising options.
There are four levels of annual sponsorship which have been outlined below:
Gold Package: $350
Full sign at the track - Website Advertisement - Promotion at track (intermission) over the public
address system encouraging all racers, family, friends and visitors to patronize your place of business –
You business listed in all newsletters.
Silver Package - $250
Full sign at the Track - Promotion at track (intermission) over the public address system encouraging
all racers, family, friends and visitors to patronize your place of business.
Bronze Package - $150
Website Advertisement Only (also includes link to your site if available)
Single Day Race Friend - $50
For just $50, your business can sponsor any single point event. Your business name and information
will be posted on our website announcing the date of the race you are sponsoring and you are welcome to
set up a display the day of your event.
We will be more than happy to pass out any business cards and flyers for you too.
For more information on how to become a
“Friends of the Track”
please contact:
Margy Walter, Track Operator at (785) 271-1BMX
*ALL TROPHIES WILL BE AWARDED BEFORE SAVER STAMPS!!!
-Fri. July 15th
Race For Life
sign ins- 5:30-7pm $10
-Sat. July 16th
Scholarship Race
sign ins- 4-6pm $20
-Sun. July 17th
State Championship Qualifier
sign ins- 8:30-10:30am $25
