Starting a kids grade in Wellington

**all4A50s** · 1st January 2010, 07:43

I'm keen to start a grade for 8 - 12 year olds to ride in that happens every time there is a meet in Wgtn so they can develop their riding skills and am wanting other bucketeers ideas for setting this up, running them and who wants to help with organising it.

I find it strange that kids can enter motocross events from about 4 years but not in road racing. I'm a firm believer there needs to be the opportunity for kids to be involved (instead of standing around) and would increase bucket numbers with some of the parents also getting into this fine sport.

Here's what suggestions have been made;
For the first lap they follow another bucket around the track. Followed by completing 3-5 laps on their own, which is started with a flag start.

They work towards getting a certificate of completion, which they get at the end of the year.

They have strict rules about passing each other, i.e., no passing in turns and must pass on the other side of the track.

Their bikes need to be scrutineered.

Their gear needs to consist of at least non-laced boots, body armour/back protector, a good jacket, riding gloves and full face helmet

I know the current minimum age is 13 to race according to MNZ rules. This grade wouldn't be racing but where they can learn and develop their riding skills.

**CookMySock** · 1st January 2010, 07:55

Originally Posted by all4A50s

I find it strange that kids can enter motocross events from about 4 years but not in road racing.

Well they can ride minimoto just fine. Pocket bikes are an ideal step for littlies toward bucket racing.

Before I got my kids started in minimoto I took a trip to wellington to scope over the bucket scene. I was well impressed, but sadly there just isnt the activity up here, and we have minimoto right across town.

I am just as surprised there is no minimoto in the wellington area, as there are no buckets up in the bay of plenty.

We have an event this weekend - come up and have a look.

Steve

**Trudes** · 1st January 2010, 08:18

We could develop C grade further I guess, but if we're turning it into a proper race class for kids, they'd have to be charged an entry fee.
Also if we're at Kaitoke with the Karts I don't think we can expect them to accomodate us running a class for 4 kids to ride about, so it may have to be left as a Slipway thing, or if we do it at Bucket Only days at Kaitoke, which are going the way this year of being run under MNZ rules, they will need a licence or day licence to cover liabilty insurance etc.
Just some things to think about, we'd really have to see what numbers there are interested in regularly turning up, no point running a proper class for 3 kids, may as well leave it as C grade piss about time and let the kids loose on the track for 10mins and not get all serious with it.

**Kendog** · 1st January 2010, 08:49

You should have a chat to Andrew A about his son and how he progressed over the last couple of years.

There does seem to be a gap at the young age bracket end of road racing, but I am not convinced bucket racing is the right venue to solve this (especially not at Kaitoke). From what I have seen and heard, none of the other areas in NZ run kids like this at buckets.

Originally Posted by DangerousBastard

Well they can ride minimoto just fine. Pocket bikes are an ideal step for littlies toward bucket racing.

I am not sure what minimotos are, but this may be a better option.

**CookMySock** · 1st January 2010, 09:04

Originally Posted by Kendog

I am not sure what minimotos are, but this may be a better option.

http://www.youtube.com/results?searc...cumbe+minimoto

They're cheap (~$250 brand new), plenty quick for littlies (50-70km/hr), easy to maintain, parts cost almost nothing and are available brand new.

Steve

**Trudes** · 1st January 2010, 09:33

Another option is to become a member of the Kart club, buy a key for the year and take your kids up to play on the track on your time. It's way more fun, they'll learn heaps by going round and round for hours usually without having to worry about anyone else around, best time to teach them the things they need to know.

**Skunk** · 1st January 2010, 12:18

Originally Posted by Trudes

Another option is to become a member of the Kart club, buy a key for the year and take your kids up to play on the track on your time. It's way more fun, they'll learn heaps by going round and round for hours usually without having to worry about anyone else around, best time to teach them the things they need to know.

Best idea so far I think.

**Kickaha** · 1st January 2010, 13:35

Originally Posted by Kendog

From what I have seen and heard, none of the other areas in NZ run kids like this at buckets.

That's because the minimum age is 13 for Buckets

**jasonu** · 1st January 2010, 14:30

Better off to get them appropriate sized dirt bikes and go bush. They will learn bike control and all that good stuff in a safe(r) environment ie soft ground. If you put them on a race track to soon and something bad happens...

**CookMySock** · 1st January 2010, 14:42

Originally Posted by jasonu

If you put them on a race track to soon and something bad happens...

Nar we have seven year olds in full safety gear going down all the time and no harm done.

edit: I think there is much more opportunity for injury off-road actually.

To my knowledge, we have the only 6-9 y/o class racing motorcycles on tarseal in NZ. Why not set your own up? We'll help.

Steve

**all4A50s** · 1st January 2010, 14:43

Originally Posted by jasonu

Better off to get them appropriate sized dirt bikes and go bush. They will learn bike control and all that good stuff in a safe(r) environment ie soft ground. If you put them on a race track to soon and something bad happens...

I do agree in most cases except my two consider speed humps going off road and have made a rather good point, on the track they can see where they are going and any obstacles they have to navigate.

I do like the idea of getting a key. Who do i talk to and what are the costs?

**Buckets4Me** · 1st January 2010, 15:58

we use to let them ride around after the racing had finished but I think the kart guys put a stop to that up here
(something to do with a plonker on a big bike 250+ racing around the track during the week without signing any forms)
now we cant even test our bikes unless it's a practice day

**Trudes** · 1st January 2010, 16:33

Originally Posted by all4A50s

I do like the idea of getting a key. Who do i talk to and what are the costs?

Read this and I would suggest sending an email to club@kartsportwellington.co.nz and explain you are a bucket bike rider and wish to enquire about beoming an associate member and purchasing a key to the track. They'll send you all the info, pays to get a family membership then your kids are covered by membership also if they are going to ride on the track if you get a key. You also get a discount on raceday entry fees, so well worth it.
Just remember to abide by the club rules when you're out there, we really don't want to lose the track due to broken rules or carelessness (ie. not locking the gate properly or letting people ride on the track who aren't covered, unprotected bikes etc).