Founded in 1990, The Hill BMX is a full-service BMX Race Track, located in the Elgin Sports Complex in Elgin, Illinois. We host events for Beginning riders as well as top Experts and Pros (not at the same time, of course).
The track is open to the public, no membership or fee required to ride when there is not a scheduled event in session (RC Cars and motor-driven vehicles are not permitted on the track at any time).
Below is a breakdown of the types of events that are part of our regular schedule.
PROGRAMMING
PRACTICES
For existing USA BMX members (current membership required). The gate is running from 6:00PM to 8:00PM. Practice fee is $5.00 (cash only). Limited loaner bikes and helmets available for a rental fee of $5 per.
Practice in BMX Racing is important, but unlike other sports, it is not required to participate in the “game” (race day, in our case).
The format of a BMX practice session is an “open ride” format, where riders can practice their gate technique and timing, work on their turns and navigating the various obstacles on the track.
There is no organized coaching during regular practice sessions. Some riders have a private coach with whom they work during the practice, but most are under the watchful eye of “Coach Dad” or “Coach Mom.” It’s a great time to hang out with BMX friends.
BEGINNERS-ONLY LEAGUES
The Elgin BMX League is a five-week program of instruction and racing, where beginning riders and their families learn the fundamentals of navigating the track, and entry-level racing techniques. It’s a great way to make new friends, and stay active.
The League is open to boys and girls 4-15 years of age, and adults in the immediate family of enrolled riders. Adults ride for $50 off!
We have three five-week League seasons in 2022, starting:
May 19, July 16 and Sept 11
There is a free “give it a try” Open House event, ahead of each League season— (May 15, June 9 and August 28).
Visit elginbmx.com to learn more about the League, RSVP for the open house, or enroll youth or adults in the next league season.
SINGLE POINTS RACING
Single points racing is the centerpiece of any local BMX program. For existing USA BMX members (current membership required), we run regularly-scheduled single point races on Tuesdays and Saturdays from Mid-April to Late October, weather permitting.
After graduating from the Beginner program, riders move up to race in the Novice class. After 10 first place finishes, they move to Intermediate, then to expert (after 20 additional first place finishes).
REGISTRATION AND FEES
Tuesday Racing: Registration / practice from 5:30 to 6:30* Ribbon Race Fee: $10.00 class or cruiser $5.00 open/strider. Class and Cruiser Discount $3.00
Saturday Racing: Registration / practice from 10:30AM to Noon* Entry Fee – $15.00 Class or Cruiser $5.00 Open/Strider. Class and Cruiser Discount $5.00
*Unless otherwise posted – Racing starts ASAP
MULTIPOINTS RACING
The points riders earn at single points races (above) are tabulated and kept by the USA BMX National Office. Riders compete for “district” points, which correspond to where they live. During the season, there are opportunities to earn double, triple or even quadruple district points for certain special races.
These “Multipoint” races are typically larger and more competitive events than weekly single points racing, and draw riders from miles around, sometimes even from other states.
In 2022, we are honored to host two multi-district-points races:
May 21 – State Championship Race (Triple District Points)
September 17 – Double Points Race.
Here are multipoints races in our “Track Championship” series
September 17 – Double Track Points
June 11, July 16, August 20 – Triple Track Points
CLINICS
An important part of keeping racers’ skills sharp is regular training and coaching. In BMX Racing, clinics led by top expert and pro riders are very popular with the riders, and give them a peek into the lives of these world-class champions and BMX Olympians.
In 2022, we will welcome US Olympian, Nic Long for a sold-out clinic in June, Veteran Pro Barry Nobles (also sold out) and up and coming female pro Carly Kane, as well as regular clinics from “RIPT BMX” (pictured), a local favorite for clinics and training, which features a rotating cast of midwest hotshots.
Pro clinics, including the sold out Nic Long and Barry Nobles clinics, will each feature “Meet & Greet” time after the event, so those not able to attend the clinic can get some photos of-and-with the pros.
SPECIAL EVENTS
It is a key part of our overall mission to keep kids interested and engaged in BMX Racing. One way we do that is with exciting and fun special events throughout the season. Some of these include our Memorial Day Picnic (May 28), Movie “RAD” Night (June 3), Old School Shootout (June 25), Ice Cream Social (July 2), Relay Race (September 3), Annual Pig Roast (September 17), Halloween Bash (October 29) and many more.
Our “Track Points Championship” series is an on-going special event with racers earning points for races at The Hill between May 14 and September 17. Riders earning track awards, based on their track series points receive recognition and their award at the annual Track Awards banquet (October 30, 2022)
